Evergreen shrub reaching up to 60 cm tall with upright branches and blue-purple flowers. It is found throughout the Mediterranean and blooms in late January. Various names in Greece: stureki, globoularia, stureni, stureni, alleluia, beard, tsoukladi, iron grass of the ewe. The Latin name is derived from globulus = spherical, domed (from the shape of the flowers)
Dioscorides recommends it as a very good laxative of bile. It is thought to have anti-rheumatic, antacid and healing (stomach) properties. Special care is needed, however, as the plant is toxic.
