Matthiola

Matthiola, commonly known as stock, is a genus of flowering plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). These herbaceous plants are native to Eurasia and Africa, particularly the Mediterranean region. They are widely cultivated for their fragrant, often double-flowered blooms, which come in a variety of colors including white, pink, purple, red, and yellow.

Description:

Matthiola species are annuals, biennials, or short-lived perennials, ranging in height from 20 cm to 80 cm, depending on the species and cultivar. The leaves are typically lanceolate or oblong. The flowers are arranged in terminal racemes. The characteristic fragrance is particularly strong in the evening and at night, attracting pollinating moths.

Cultivation:

Stocks are popular garden plants, grown for their ornamental value and scent. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. They are often grown as bedding plants or in containers. Matthiola incana, commonly known as Hoary Stock or Ten-week Stock, is the most widely cultivated species. Breeding has led to the development of numerous cultivars with diverse flower colors and forms, including single and double-flowered varieties. Stocks are also popular as cut flowers due to their long vase life.

Uses:

Besides their ornamental value, stocks are sometimes used in traditional medicine. The seeds contain oils that have been studied for various properties.

Species:

The genus Matthiola includes several species, with the most notable being:

• Matthiola incana (Hoary Stock)
• Matthiola longipetala (Evening Stock)
• Matthiola fruticulosa

Etymology:

The genus Matthiola is named after Pietro Andrea Mattioli, a 16th-century Italian physician and botanist.