Scented lippia (Lippia origanoides, F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 267 (1818))

Family: Verbenaceae

Author: Kunth

Bibliography: F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 267 (1818)

Year: 1818

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lippia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Scented lippia, known scientifically as Lippia origanoides, is a prominent member of the Verbenaceae family, a diverse group of flowering plants. First chronicled in 1818 by the distinguished botanists F.W.H. von Humboldt, A.J.A. Bonpland, and C.S. Kunth in their renowned work, “Nov. Gen. Sp.,” this aromatic plant has captivated botanists and naturalists alike.

The plant thrives predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas, where its resilience and adaptability have allowed it to flourish in a variety of habitats. Its fragrant leaves and flowers are not only a testament to its beauty but also contribute to its utility in traditional medicine and culinary applications.

Lippia origanoides stands out for its distinctive aroma, which has drawn comparisons to oregano, hence its common name, ‘scented lippia.’ This characteristic scent is due to the presence of essential oils, which have been studied for their potential antibacterial and antifungal properties.

In addition to its medicinal uses, scented lippia is also valued ornamentally. Its lush foliage and delightful blooms can add a touch of elegance to any garden, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts looking to enhance their landscapes with both beauty and utility.

Overall, Lippia origanoides is an exemplary species within the Verbenaceae family, reflecting the rich biodiversity and botanical wonder of tropical and subtropical America.

Common Names

En: Scented lippia, Scented matgrass, Mexican oregano
De: Mexikanischer Oregano
Ko: 향리피아
: Mexican-sage

Synonyms

• Lippia microphylla var. foliis-acutiusculis (Hiern)
• Lantana origanoides var. sampaionis (Herter)
• Lantana origanoides (M.Martens & Galeotti)
• Lippia rigida (Schauer)
• Lippia glandulosa (Schauer)
• Lippia berlandieri (M.Martens & Galeotti)
• Lippia mattogrossensis (Moldenke)
• Lippia obscura (Briq.)
• Lippia polycephala (Briq.)
• Lippia berteroi (Spreng.)
• Lippia polycephala var. aemilii (Briq.)
• Lippia pendula (Rusby)
• Lippia sidoides f. flaccida (Hayek)
• Lippia rivalis (Moldenke)
• Lippia graveolens f. loeseneriana (Moldenke)
• Lippia graveolens f. macrophylla (Moldenke)
• Lippia elegans (Cham.)
• Lippia schomburgkiana (Schauer)
• Lippia sidoides (Cham.)
• Lippia palmeri var. spicata (Rose)
• Lippia palmeri f. spicata ((Rose) Moldenke)
• Lippia graveolens (Kunth)
• Lippia velutina (Schauer)
• Lippia microphylla var. fasciculata (Hiern)
• Lippia rubiginosa var. dives (Schauer)
• Lippia rubiginosa var. pauper (Schauer)
• Lippia graveolens f. microphylla (Moldenke)
• Lippia palmeri (S.Watson)
• Lippia salviifolia (Cham.)
• Lippia candicans (Hayek)
• Lippia origanoides var. sampaionis (Herter)
• Lippia elegans var. macrophylla (Moldenke)
• Lippia elegans var. obtusifolia (Moldenke)
• Goniostachyum graveolens ((Kunth) Small)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7297353)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:863752-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lippia origanoides Kunth)

Specifications

Growth