1638 Digitalis purpurea L.

Within this polymorphic species some lower taxa are distinguished (cf. Fl. Eur. 3/1972, p. 239f.). In the SW. part of the Mediterranean region the taxonomic situation is especially complicated (cf. Meusel et al. 1978, map p. 392). Recorded on this map are subsp. purpurea in most of the range, subsp. mariana (Boiss.) Rivas Goday in S. Spain, subsp. dubia (Rodr.) on the Balearic Islands and subsp. mauretanica Maire & Emb. in the Atlas Mts. The closely related D. thapsi L. occurs in E. Portugal and C. and W. Spain. As a medicinal and ornamental plant D. purpurea has spread also outside the original range in W. Europe and is naturalized in parts of C. and N. Europe, N. and S. America, S. Australia and New Zealand.