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Melissa officinalis L.
| Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
| Common Name: | Bee Balm, Lemon Balm, 香蜂草 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Herbaceous perennial with a bushy growth form up to 1 m tall. |
|---|---|
| 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) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Disease / Pest Resistant, Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| 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, Reticulate |
| Foliar Margin | Crenate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse, Cordate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White, Purple |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. |