General description:
Lemon Balm ( Melissa officinalis ) is a soft-leaved, pleasantly lemon-scented herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The plant is known for its fresh aroma and light green, finely textured leaves.
Botanical background:
Lemon balm is a perennial herb that grows wild, especially in southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, but is also widely cultivated in more northern regions. The plant thrives in sunny and sheltered locations and in nutrient-rich soil.
Origin of the name:
The genus name Melissa comes from the Greek word “μέλισσα”, meaning bee. The name refers to the attractiveness of the plant's flowers to pollinators, especially bees. The specific name officinalis is the traditional botanical name for species that have been historically documented in botanical collections and textbooks.
Historical and cultural context:
Lemon balm has been a well-known plant in Europe since ancient times, appearing in numerous historical plant descriptions, monastery herb gardens, and traditional botanical texts. The plant has been a part of European plant culture and symbolism for centuries.
Ethnobotanical interest:
Melissa officinalis is an ethnobotanically interesting species, studied particularly from the perspective of the cultural history of plants, documentation of traditional uses, and botanical classification. Its recognizable scent and leaf structure make it a common research and teaching target.
Disclaimer:
We sell ethnobotanical herbs and plant specimens for research and educational purposes only. We do not recommend or market these products as food, and they are not sold for food use. This product description is informative and does not contain any health, use or medical claims. Finnish legislation applies to the use of the product, and the user is responsible for the legality of the use of the product.
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