Melissa officinalis L.

Spice In the field

Family: LABIATAE (LAMIACEAE)

Genus: Melissa

Catalan common name: Abellera. Aronjina. Citronella. Melissa. Tarongina. Taronjí.

Spanish common name: Cedrón. Cidronela. limonera. Melisa. Toronjil.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Eurosiberian (Submediterranean)

Uses and properties: Edible or foodstuffs. Medicinal. Perfumery.

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Hemicryptophyte.

Habitats: Garden plants. Gardens.

Characteristics: A perennial herb with crawling stems that have the ability to root and erect stems (up to 80 cm.), square and covered with hairs. The leaves are opposite, very pilose and with serrate margin. The flowers are white, axillary and grouped in whorlettes. If when crushes the leaf between the fingers and agreeable lemony smell is given off.