Lemon-verbena, Wapine
Aloysia citrodora

Family: Verbenaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It is open and straggly. It can be 3 m high and spread 3 m wide. The leaves are in rings of 3 or 4. The leaves are prickly and pale green. They are sword shaped and 5-10 cm long. The leaves are lemon scented. The flowers are small and in groups along a stalk. They are very pale purple.

There are about 40 Aloysia species. Oil of Verbena is produced from the leaves.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate to tropical plant. It needs good sunlight and a well-drained soil. The soil needs to be kept moist. In Argentina it grows between 500-3,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 8-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Argentina (country/location of origin), Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Europe, France, Hawaii, Mexico, Pacific, Peru, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The dried leaves are used for flavourings and for herbal teas.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring, leaves - tea

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or from woody cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Citronaloysia, Erba luigia, Marialluisa

Synonyms

Aloysia citriodora (Lam.) Ortega ex Pers. [Illegitimate]; Aloysia sleumeri Moldenke; Aloysia triphylla (L'Her.) Britton; Aloysia triphylla Royle; Lippia citriodora Kunth, nom. illeg.; Lippia triphylla (L'Her.) Kuntze; Verbena citriodora (Lam.) Cav.; Verbena triphylla L'Her.; Zappania citriodora (Palau) Lam.;