Melissa

Melissa is a genus of perennial herbs in the Lamiaceae, native to Europe and Asia but cultivated and naturalized in many other places. The most commonly grown species of this genus is Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm.

Description[edit | edit source]

Melissa species are herbaceous plants occurring mainly in Europe and Asia. They are highly aromatic and are used in traditional medicine as calming herbs. The leaves are opposite, rounded to heart-shaped, often hairy, and usually lightly toothed. The flowers are small, in axillary clusters, with a five-parted corolla, the upper lip of which is slightly concave, resembling a 'hood'.

Species[edit | edit source]

The genus includes the following species:

Melissa officinalis L. – lemon balm
Melissa flava (Benth.) Bakh.f.
Melissa axillaris (Benth.) Bakh.f.
Melissa yunnanensis C.Y.Wu & Y.C.Huang

Uses[edit | edit source]

Melissa species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including coleophora lineolea which is recorded on M. officinalis. The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as a repellant for mosquitoes. M. officinalis is also used medicinally as a herbal tea, or in extract form. It is claimed to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor properties.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder

Melissa Resources
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