What is "omphalodes"

n. (plural of omphalode English)

Omphalodes (navelwort) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae. Widely distributed in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. In spring they produce blue or white flowers similar to forget-me-nots.

Both the Greek Omphalodes (navel-like) and the English "navelwort" refer to the shape of the seeds.

O. verna and cultivars of O. cappadocica are grown in gardens for their blue flowers which in spring appear above the leaves in loose sprays. They are woodland plants, preferring some shade.