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Lippia dulcis Trevir.
| Family Name: | Verbenaceae |
| Synonyms: | Phyla dulcis (Trevir.) Moldenke, Lippia asperifolia Rchb., Lippia dulcis var. mexicana Wehmer, Phyla scaberrima (Juss. ex Pers.) Moldenke, Zappania scaberrima Juss. ex Pers. |
| Common Name: | Aztec Sweet Herb, Mexican Lippia, Bushy Lippia, Honeyherb |
Aztec Sweet Herb leaves are added to drinks and salads, because they are very sweet. They have a sprawling growth habit, reaching up to 30 cm tall. The cone-shaped inflorescence is decorated at the top with tiny white flowers.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant, Creeper |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.3 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 1 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico to Venezuela, Caribbean |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Herb up to 0.3 m tall with creeping or mat-forming growth habit. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Egg-shaped, deeply veined leaves with toothed leaf margin are arranged in pairs. |
| Flowers | Tiny, white flowers are arranged in a circle at the top of a round to oblong inflorescence. |
| Associated Fauna | Flowers are insect-pollinated. |
| Cultivation | Leaves may turn brown-purple under full sun. It grows best in well-drained soil that is allowed to mostly dry before re-watering. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Fragrant (Foliage) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Container Planting |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | Leaves should not be eaten in large quantities, as their essential oil is rich in camphor which can be harmful. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Dry Soils / Drought |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Raised / Sunken Veins |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
| Typical Foliar Area | Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 ) |
| Typical Foliar Size | 1 cm to 4 cm |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 34280 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8693 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |