Aloysia

Aloysia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Verbenaceae, native to the Americas. The best known member is the lemon verbena, Aloysia citrodora (also listed as Aloysia triphylla), a shrub valued for its intensely lemon-scented foliage and its uses in cooking, beverages, and perfumery. The genus includes several other species native to South America, and some classifications have historically placed related plants in the genus Lippia.

Description and habitat

Aloysia species are generally evergreen shrubs or small trees with opposite leaves that release a citrus-like aroma when crushed. They produce small tubular flowers, often in pale white or purple shades, arranged in racemes or similar inflorescences. Leaves vary in shape across species, but the distinctive aromatic quality is common. These plants favor warm climates and are commonly grown in temperate regions as ornamentals or herbs, typically in sunny, well-drained locations.

Cultivation and uses

Lemon verbena leaves are used fresh or dried to flavor teas, desserts, and syrups, and are employed in liqueurs and savory dishes for a lemony note. Essential oils derived from the foliage are used in perfumery and aromatherapy. Horticulturally, Aloysia plants prefer full sun, rich, well-drained soil, and protection from hard frost. They require regular moisture but do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. In cooler climates, they are often grown as annuals or kept as container plants and overwintered indoors.

Taxonomy notes

The genus belongs to Verbenaceae and has undergone taxonomic adjustments, with some lemon verbena forms previously classified under Lippia. The exact species count varies by classification, but A. citrodora remains the widely cultivated representative of the group.