Anagallis monelli - Shrubby pimpernel - (Primulaceae)

This lovely deep blue-to-purple flower is related to the Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis, with which we are so familiar in the UK

Anagallis monelli

Shrubby pimpernel can form large, dense mats of glorious blue flowers from March to June. This wildflower is a native of the Iberian Peninsula, Sardinia, Sicily and North Africa and appears in rather dry habitats such as stable sand dunes and banks but can sometimes be found in open woodland too.

A member of the Primrose family (Primulaceae), the flowers can sometimes be red or pink, and it is frequently encouraged as a garden plant.

A dense mat of Shrubby Pimpernel in the Algarve

The specimens on this page were photographed in the Algarve in Portugal in May.