antirrhina

Antirrhina is a genus of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae, commonly known as snapdragons. The genus name comes from the Greek word "antirrhinon," meaning "like a nose," referring to the shape of the flower. There are approximately 30-40 species of Antirrhinum, native to the Mediterranean region and parts of North Africa.

The most well-known species is Antirrhinum majus, the common snapdragon, which is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Snapdragons are herbaceous perennials, though often grown as annuals in cooler climates. They are characterized by their tall, spikelike inflorescences bearing numerous colorful flowers. The flowers themselves are zygomorphic, meaning they have bilateral symmetry, and possess a distinctive "snapping" mechanism when squeezed. This unique feature has given them their common name.

Antirrhinum species are known for their diverse color range, including shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, white, and bi-colored varieties. They are popular in cottage gardens, borders, and as cut flowers due to their aesthetic appeal and long blooming period. The plants typically prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is usually done by seed, and they are relatively easy to grow. In their native Mediterranean habitats, some species are adapted to arid or semi-arid conditions.