LEMON VERBENA

(Aloysia triphylla, or Lippia citriodora), tropical perennial shrub belonging to the family Verbenaceae, originating in Argentina and Chile. Growing more than 3 m (10 feet) high in warm climates, it is also grown as a potted plant reaching a height of about 25.4 cm (10 inches). The leaves are long, narrow, and pointed, with yellowish green colour. They are rich in aromatic oil and have a clear lemonlike flavour and scent. Lemon verbena is used to flavour sweet drinks, to garnish fruit cups and salads, and as an ingredient in jellies and puddings. Used alone or in combination with other herbs, the leaves make an excellent herb tea. They are also used for their fragrance in colognes and sachets.