Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Lamiales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
officinalis
ID:
240721

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

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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.

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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 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,

References