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Melissa officinalis Linn.
Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
Common Name: | Bee Balm, Lemon Balm, 香蜂草 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
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Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Plant Shape | Shrubby |
Maximum Height | 0.5 m to 1 m |
Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.1 m to 0.5 m |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Southern Europe and Mediterranean |
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Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | Herbaceous perennial with a bushy growth form up to 1 m tall. |
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Foliage | Leaves are broadly ovate (egg-shaped) with a scalloped leaf margin. The sunken venation creates a quilted leaf texture. |
Flowers | Creamy white or light purple flowers are tubular and 2-lipped. They are arranged in a spike inflorescence. |
Cultivation | This species prefers moist, but well-drained soil. |
Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice) |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Fragrant (Foliage) |
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Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
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Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Rootzone Tolerance | Disease / Pest Resistant, Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting, Division |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
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Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net, Recticulate |
Foliar Margin | Crenate |
Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse, Cordate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower Colour(s) | White, Purple |
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Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Flower Location | Terminal |
Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
Inflorescence Type | Spike |
Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 14104 |
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Species ID | 3327 |
Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |