Bushy matgrass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bushy matgrass |
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Lippia
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alba
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List
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Lippia alba is a cool flowering plant from the verbena family, called Verbenaceae. It grows naturally in places like southern Texas in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. You might also find it in Australia and India. It was probably brought to these places by people.
Some common names for this plant are bushy matgrass, bushy lippia, hierba negra, and pitiona. It's a multi-branched shrub that can grow up to about 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall. Its leaves are usually 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long. They are about 0.9 to 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) wide. The leaves grow opposite each other or in groups of three. The flowers have white, pink, or light blue-purple petals. They grow on spikes that are about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) long.
Contents
What is Bushy Lippia Used For?
Bushy lippia is often grown as an ornamental plant. People like it for its nice-smelling leaves and pretty flowers.
Essential Oils from the Plant
The plant contains essential oils. These oils give the plant its unique smell. The exact mix of oils can be different for each plant. Some common oils found in bushy lippia include piperitone, geranial, neral, caryophyllene, camphor, and eucalyptol. Other oils like limonene, carvone, germacrene, and linalool can also be present.
Using Bushy Lippia in Food
The leaves of Lippia alba are used to add flavor to foods. For example, they are used in mole sauces. These special sauces come from Oaxaca, Mexico.
Medicinal Uses
People also use this plant in herbal medicine. It is thought to have properties that can help the body. For example, it might help with relaxation. It is also used to help with mood and to ease discomfort.
Images for kids
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Lippia alba leaf
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Flowers and leaves of Lippia alba
See also
In Spanish: Lippia alba para niños
