The boraginaceae, or borage family is characterised by hairy stems, hairy, undivided leaves which lack stipules, and a clustered inflorescence. Flowers have a tubular, five-lobed corolla, a five-lobed calyx, five stamens and a single pistil. Most are coloured white, blue or purple, often pink when in bud. There are around 30 species in the British Isles.
