Definition of lemon verbena

The botanical name of lemon verbena, also known as Aloysia citrodora, reveals its origin. The genus Aloysia is named after Aloisy de Bourges, a French botanist who described the plant in the 18th century. The specific epithet citrodora is derived from the Latin words citrus, meaning lemon, and odor, meaning scent or scent bearing, in reference to the strong lemon aroma of the leaves. Lemon verbena is native to South America, specifically Argentina, Chile, and Peru. It was first introduced to Europe in the 18th century by a French botanist and horticulturist named Paul Hermann, who traveled to Chile and collected several specimens of the plant. The French soon began cultivating it, and its popularity spread throughout Europe and eventually to other parts of the world, such as Africa, Asia, and North America. The common name "lemon verbena" is descriptive of the plant's scent and flavor. Verbena came from the old French word verbaine, which refers to both the lemon verbena plant and another species of mint called Verbena officinalis. The latter was commonly used as a religious herb in medieval times and was associated with the Virgin Mary, who was sometimes called "verbena". The common name "lemon verbena" allows people to quickly identify the plant's distinct lemon scent and flavor.