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Melissa officinalis, lemon balm
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Melissa officinalis, lemon balm
A painting from the Botany Library Plate Collection held at the Natural History Museum, London
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 8599585
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10705212
Asterid Aurantiaceae Balm Citrus Citrus Limon Eudicot Eurosid Labiatae Lamiaceae Lamiales Lemon Malvidae Melissa Rosid Rutaceae Angiospermae Dicot Dicotyledon Lemon Balm Magnoliophyta Melissa Officinalis
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is showcased in this exquisite botanical illustration from the Botany Library Plate Collection held at the Natural History Museum in London. This painting, a testament to the intricacies of the natural world, captures the essence of this herbaceous perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family, also known as the Labiatae. The vibrant green leaves of lemon balm, adorned with serrated edges, are interspersed with whorls of delicate, pink-tinged flowers. Belonging to the order Lamiales, Melissa officinalis is an eudicot, angiosperm, and a member of the rosid clade, specifically the asterid subclass and the Malvidae family. Lemon balm, a native to Europe, Southern Europe, and the Mediterranean, is a popular herb used for its lemony aroma and taste. Its leaves are rich in essential oils, primarily citral and geranial, which give it its distinctive citrus flavor. This botanical illustration, a work of art in its own right, provides a window into the complex world of plant morphology. The intricate details of the veins on the leaves, the delicate petals of the flowers, and the stems bearing buds, all come together to create a stunning representation of Melissa officinalis. As a member of the Rutaceae family, lemon balm shares some characteristics with citrus plants, such as the presence of essential oils and the use of secretory glands. However, it is important to note that Melissa officinalis is not a citrus plant, but rather a close relative within the same order. This botanical illustration serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity of the plant kingdom and the importance of preserving and documenting it for future generations. The Natural History Museum's Botany Library Plate Collection is a treasure trove of such illustrations, each one a testament to the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
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