Phlomis russeliana (Sims) Benth. (syn.: P. lunarifolia Sibth. et Smith var. russeliana Sims) (Turkey) – A very rare escape from cultivation or garden throw-out. Discovered in 2008 on a calcareous, shady off-ramp of the Albertkanaal in Veldwezelt (two specimens; persisting since then but not very vigorous). This is a rather remote locality and the vector of introduction is unclear. In 2009 also seen in a wood margin in Hertsberge (a single specimen), probably from discarded garden waste, in 2013 in Bissegem and in 2014 in Dessel. Phlomis russeliana is increasingly planted, easily self-seeds and more records are to be expected.
The specific epithet is often misspelt as “russelliana” (see for instance Clement & Foster 1994).
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Selected literature:
Clement E.J. & Foster M.C. (1994) Alien plants of the British Isles. BSBI, London: XVIII + 590 p.
Ludwig W. (1968) Phlomis tuberosa, P. russeliana und P. samia (Bestimmungsarbeiten in botanischen Gärten N.F. 7). Hessische Floristische Briefe 17 (196): 19-22.