2025.09.20 – Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), Gura Lupului, Boca de Dragón, and Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Key Findings

• “Gura lupului” is the Romanian name for Antirrhinum majus.
• The English name for Antirrhinum majus is snapdragon.
• The Spanish name for Antirrhinum majus is “boca de dragón.”
• Antirrhinum majus belongs to the Plantaginaceae family.
• Snapdragons are ornamental plants with tall stems and large, colorful flowers shaped like a mouth that opens when pressed.
• Snapdragon flowers come in many colors, including pink, red, yellow, white, orange, and purple.
• Snapdragons are grown mainly for decoration and are not especially aromatic.
• Lavender refers to plants in the genus Lavandula (including Lavandula angustifolia).
• Lavender belongs to the Lamiaceae family.
• Lavender is a small aromatic shrub with slender stems and spikes of lilac or purple flowers.
• Lavender originates from the Mediterranean basin.
• Lavender is used ornamentally, medicinally, and industrially in cosmetics, essential oils, teas, and perfumes.
• Lavender is highly fragrant, with a relaxing scent.
• Main difference: snapdragon is primarily valued for its showy, colorful flowers, while lavender is prized for fragrance and multiple uses.

Full Account of Facts

The plant known as “gura lupului” in Romanian corresponds to Antirrhinum majus. In English, this species is called snapdragon, while in Spanish it is called “boca de dragón.” It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and originates from the Mediterranean region. Snapdragons are ornamental plants characterized by tall stems bearing large flowers that resemble a mouth which opens when pressed. These flowers are cultivated in a wide variety of colors, including pink, red, yellow, white, orange, and purple. Although visually striking, snapdragons are not noted for fragrance and are mainly valued for decorative purposes in gardens and pots.

Lavender, on the other hand, refers to the genus Lavandula, which includes species such as Lavandula angustifolia. This plant is a small aromatic shrub that belongs to the Lamiaceae family, also originating from the Mediterranean basin. It produces slender stems with spikes of small lilac or purple flowers. Unlike snapdragons, lavender is distinguished by its strong and pleasant fragrance, which is commonly described as relaxing. Beyond its ornamental appeal, lavender is widely cultivated for practical uses in cosmetics, perfumes, essential oils, and herbal teas, as well as for medicinal applications. The key difference between these two plants is that snapdragon is appreciated for its colorful and showy blossoms without notable scent, whereas lavender combines aesthetic beauty with fragrance and diverse applications.