Linaria algarviana

Linaria algarviana is an annual herb reaching heights of 14–25 cm (5.5–10 in). It typically produces 1–15 stems, which are usually simple or slightly branched. The leaves are glaucous and fleshy; lower leaves are arranged in whorls, while the upper leaves are alternate and oblong-lanceolate in shape.^[4]

The inflorescence is a loose raceme. The corolla is 17–25 mm long and distinctly violet, featuring a yellow or beige palate (the "lower lip" bulge) marked with violet veins and spots. The nectar spur is relatively long and straight or slightly curved.^[4][5]

• 
  Linaria algarviana at Lagoa dos Salgados
• 
  Linaria algarviana corolla
• 
  Linaria algarviana (Pombinhas) in Lagos

The leaves are somewhat fleshy in consistency. The lower leaves are arranged in whorls of three or four and are oblong-lanceolate. The upper leaves are alternate, linear-lanceolate, and measure approximately 5–15 mm in length and 1–3 mm in width.^[5]

The inflorescence is a raceme that is initially dense but becomes lax as it elongates. The flowers are distinctly zygomorphic.

• Corolla: The corolla is 17–25 mm long and predominantly violet. It features a prominent pale yellow or cream-colored palate (the bulge at the throat) that is strikingly marked with dark violet veins and spots.
• Spur: The nectar spur is 9–13 mm long, slender, and usually straight or only slightly curved.

Floral formula:

${\displaystyle X{\text{ or }}*K_{(5)},[C_{(5)},A_{4}],G_{\underline {(2)}},{\text{capsule}}}$

The fruit is a subglobose capsule measuring 4–6 mm, which opens via apical pores (porocidal). The seeds are small (0.5–0.8 mm), black, and lack the membranous wing found in some other Linaria species; instead, they are covered in fine longitudinal ridges or crests.^[4][5]

Linaria algarviana typically flowers from February to May, with the peak flowering period occurring in March and April. Seed dispersal occurs shortly after the capsules mature in late spring.^[5]

This species is native and restricted to the western Algarve (the Barlavento), primarily between Lagos and the Sagres peninsula. It inhabits clearings of xerophilic scrubland, coastal pastures, and sandy meadows. It is occasionally found in open pine forests and vineyards, almost exclusively on sandy substrates near the coastline.^[1][5]