This spring-flowering borage relative can be seen on the Systematic Beds.
The borage family (Boraginaceae) contains 160 genera of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and parasitic species with a global distribution, and usually having hairy or bristly leaves. The genus Nonea contains approximately 40 species from dry situations in North Africa, temperate Asia and the Indian subcontinent. N. lutea (yellow monks-wort) is perhaps the most familiar species with nodding, five-petalled, primrose-yellow flowers, and rough, bristly leaves. Once established this herbaceous species will freely seed itself to provide early colour in the garden.