The Mediterranean Summer festival at Kew ran during the summer of
2007. Lavender - Science
Lavandula dentata var. dentata
Lavenders are well known for their essential oils. Of particular interest to the plant scientist however are the flavonoids they contain.
Flavonoids are phenolic secondary metabolites and have important microbial, fungal and insect deterrent properties. They are also important in helping the plant adapt to their natural semi-arid habitat by helping to filter UV light. Flavonoids are also helpful to the plant systematist as they vary between species and can help identify a plant.
Scientists Tim Upson and Susyn Andrews recently published an award winning work on Lavandula which gives an up to date classification and history of the genus. The Genus Lavandula, published by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is available from the Kew shop, online, and through all good bookstores.