Lemon verbena

Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family Verbenaceae, native to South America. It is known for its strong citrus scent, hence the common name.

Description

Lemon Verbena is a perennial shrub or subshrub growing up to 2–3 meters high. The 8-cm-long, glossy, pointed leaves are slightly rough to the touch and emit a powerful scent reminiscent of lemon when bruised (hence the plant's common name).

Cultivation and uses

Lemon Verbena is used in herbalism for its antispasmodic, antipyretic, sedative, and digestive properties. It is also used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and in the cosmetics industry for its pleasant scent. The plant is usually propagated from cuttings, as seeds are not often available.

History

The plant was brought to Europe by the Spanish in the 17th century and cultivated for its oil. Today, it is grown worldwide and is popular in herb gardens for its aromatic leaves.

See also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of plants used in herbalism