We normally refer to limonium as statice, but these herbaceous perennials are also known as sea-lavender and marsh-rosemary. Which in perfect flower-naming fashion makes no sense really given that they bear no relation to either lavender or rosemary plants.
Their Latin name was bestowed by Pliny the Elder, that great Roman author, philosopher, military commander and naturalist (that last one, lest you get excited for a moment means he studied flora and fauna, not that he liked to frolic in the nude, though Wikipedia doesn’t state that he WASN’T also a naturist, come to think of it…).
The flowers themselves are pretty-petalled little things, perched on top of small brown scale-leaves. They’re often found in hues of pink and purple and violet, though white and yellow varieties occasionally pop up. Whilst they make a dainty addition to fresh bouquets, statice are known for making great dried flowers. Its primary symbolism is of remembrance, making it a common addition to memorial wreaths and bouquets.
