Twiggy aloysia, Sweet almond bush
Aloysia virgata

Family: Verbenaceae

What it is like

A large shrub or small tree. It grows 1.5-4.5 m tall and spreads 1.-2.4 m wide. The leaves are opposite each other along the stem. The flowers are in spikes at the ends of the branches. These are 20 cm long. They have a sweet scent.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Cuba, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South America, Uruguay, West Indies

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves - drink

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or by stem cuttings or air-layering.

Its other names

Local names

Cama de nino, Camara-de-espeito, Cuna de nino, Ivira lata, Lixa, Lixeira, Nino-rupi

Synonyms

Aloysia urticoides Cham.; Aloysia virgata var. arguentedentata Moldenke; Aloysia virgata var. elliptica (Briq.) Moldenke; Aloysia virgata var. laxa (Chodat) Moldenke; Aloysia virgata var. platyphylla (Briq.) Moldenke; Lippia arborea Rojas Acosta; Lippia urticoides (Cham.) Steud.; Lippia urticoides var. laxa Chodat; Lippia virgata (Ruiz & Pav.) Steud.; Lippia virgata var. elliptica Briq.; Lippia virgata var. platyphylla Briq.; Priva virgata (Ruiz & Pav.) Spreng.; Verbena virgata Ruiz & Pav.; Zapania virgata (Ruiz & Pav.) Poir.;