Authors: C. Stace, R. van der Meijden (ed.) & I. de Kort (ed.)
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Scientific name:

Melissa officinalis

Vernacular name:

Balm


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Prunella laciniata - Selfheal, Cut-leaved
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Balm

Scientific name: Melissa officinalis L.

Diagnostic features
Plant lemon-scented when fresh.
Stems erect, to 1m.
Leaves ovate, the lower with cordate to truncate base and petiole 1/2 as long as leaf-blade or more.
Corolla 8-15mm.

Chromosome number: (2n=32, 34, 64).

Habitat
Introduced-naturalized; much grown in gardens (often variegated) and a frequent throwout or self-sown.

Distribution
Scattered in British Isles North to Co Cavan, Man and Cumberland; South Europe.

This species is keyed out on Page 3142: Melissa & Clinopodium and on Page 3160: Prunella & Melissa in the Text Key.

Melissa officinalis (Balm)
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Balm
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