Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 592 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000240053
Common Names
- Officinalis Paperbark
- Officinalis Honey Myrtle
- Officinalis Tea Tree
Synonyms
- Melissa officinalis altissima (Sm.) Arcang. [unknown]
- Melissa officinalis romana (Mill.) Woodv. [unknown]
- Mutelia officinalis Gren. ex Mutel [unknown]
- Thymus melissa E.H.L.Krause [unknown]
- Melissa officinalis graveolens (Host) Nyman [unknown]
- Melissa officinalis foliosa Briq. [unknown]
- Melissa officinalis cordifolia (Pers.) K.Koch [unknown]
- Melissa officinalis hirsuta K.Koch [unknown]
- Melissa officinalis altissima (Sm.) K.Koch [unknown]
- Melissa officinalis villosa Benth. [unknown]
- Faucibarba officinalis Dulac [unknown]
Description
Melissa officinalis (also called 'Lemon Balm', among many other common names) is a small shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters in height. It is native to Europe, and is found in temperate grasslands and meadows. It has alternate, ovate leaves and small white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Melissa officinalis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used medicinally to treat fever, inflammation, and skin diseases.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Melissa officinalis sub. inodora Bornm.
Melissa officinalis sub. officinalis
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Melissa officinalis is yellow and has five petals. The seed is small and round. The seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Melissa officinalis is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It can be propagated from seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Division can be done in spring or fall. It prefers full sun to partial shade and regular watering.
Where to Find Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis can be found in Australia, particularly in the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Melissa officinalis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Melissa officinalis?
Melissa officinalis
What is the common name of Melissa officinalis?
Lemon balm
What is the natural habitat of Melissa officinalis?
Dry grasslands and scrublands
Species in the Melissa genus
Species in the Lamiaceae family
Acanthomintha duttonii,
Acanthomintha ilicifolia,
Acanthomintha lanceolata,
Acanthomintha obovata,
Acanthoprasium frutescens,
Acanthoprasium integrifolium,
Achyrospermum aethiopicum,
Achyrospermum africanum,
Achyrospermum axillare,
Achyrospermum carvalhoi,
Achyrospermum ciliatum,
Achyrospermum cryptanthum,
Achyrospermum dasytrichum,
Achyrospermum densiflorum,
Achyrospermum erythobotrys,
Achyrospermum fruticosum,
Achyrospermum laterale,
Achyrospermum micranthum,
Achyrospermum mildbraedii,
Achyrospermum oblongifolium,
Achyrospermum parviflorum,
Achyrospermum purpureum,
Achyrospermum schimperi,
Achyrospermum schlechteri,
Achyrospermum seychellarum,
Achyrospermum tisserantii,
Achyrospermum urens,
Achyrospermum wallichianum,
Achyrospermum scandens,
Acinos alpinus,
Acrotome angustifolia,
Acrotome fleckii,
Acrotome hispida,
Acrotome inflata,
Acrotome mozambiquensis,
Acrotome pallescens,
Acrotome tenuis,
Acrotome thorncroftii,
Acrymia ajugiflora,
Aegiphila aracaensis,
Aegiphila hystricina,
Aegiphila aculeifera,
Aegiphila alba,
Aegiphila anomala,
Aegiphila arcta,
Aegiphila australis,
Aegiphila bogotensis,
Aegiphila boliviana,
Aegiphila brachiata,
Aegiphila bracteolosa,