Aloysia

/əˈlɔɪ.ʒə/ noun

Definition

A genus of aromatic shrubs and herbs, particularly lemon verbena, with fragrant leaves.

Etymology

Named in honor of Louisa Maria Aloysia, a Spanish royal patron of botany, by Spanish botanists in the 18th century. Follows the tradition of naming plants after important patrons.

Kelly Says

Lemon verbena (genus Aloysia) smells so intensely of lemon that a single leaf can flavor a cup of tea—yet the plant honored a Spanish princess nobody remembers. Science named it after her, but nature gave it the better gift: an unforgettable scent.

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