Systematics and varieties
Lavender is a perennial semi-shrub plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae), genus Lavandula, genus of about 30 species of plants, only three of which are of economic significance:
Lavandula angustifolia Mill. /Lavandula vera D.C., Lavandula officinalis Chaix/ – Common (narrow-leaved) lavender.
The high quality of the essential oil in this species is determined by the greater amount of the main ingredient linalyl acetate of up to 40% and the low content of camphor. In natural habitats, it grows at an altitude of 500 to 1800 m.
Lavandula spica L. – Spike lavender. The content of essential oil in the inflorescences reaches 3.0%, but due to the greater amount of camphor, it is of low quality. Plants of this species have broad leaves, grow in areas with an altitude of up to 400-500 m and are used mainly for decorative purposes.
Lavandula hybrida Rev. – Lavandin. It is a hybrid plant, combining the first two varieties. Flowers contain up to 3% essential oil, but it is of low quality because of the greater amount of camphor – 3 to 10% of its content. It is a more solid plant and has larger and coarser peduncles, usually triple-branched, ending in three inflorescences. Lavandin grows in places with lower altitude /in its homeland below 700 m/. It is less hardy and requires soil that is slightly richer in nutrients.
On national scale, there is a wide spread of the narrow-leaved lavender /Lavandula angustifolia Mill./ ONLY.
In our country, the following varieties are recognized and zoned for all lavender-producing areas: Hemus, Drujba, Karlovo, Sevtopolis, Yubileina, Raya and Hebar. All varieties are selected by the Institute of Roses, Essential and Medical Cultures – Kazanlak.
