"LLuigia grass (Aloysia citriodora) hija pjanta li tappartjeni għall-familja ta' Verbenaceae. The etymology of the name derives from the term Aloysia (in homage to Maria Luisa of Parma, wife of Charles IV of Spain and from which the name also derives Luisa grass) and by the specific epithet citriodorawhich is instead of Latin origin and can be translated as “lemon scent”. On many texts it is also indicated by the name of Lippia citriodora, in dedication to the explorer Augusto Lippi. Furthermore, it has many common names that often generate confusion for the exact identification, as they also refer to other plants. It is in fact called lumi verbena, limoncina u ħaxix tal-lumi in clear reference to its characteristic and pleasant aroma reminiscent of citrus fruits and a little balzmu tal-lumi. Regarding botanical affiliation, it is also known as verbena fragrantitherefore not to be confused with the common verbena (verbena officinalis).
It is a plant grown in gardens for ornamental purposes or as an aromatic, as it is aesthetically pleasing and with an intense scent. It is also rich in beneficial properties, and is used in herbal medicine and cooking for its aromatic notes. In this article, therefore, we discover everything there is to know about Aloysia citriodora.
Description of the Luigia herb
Aloysia citriodora in reality it is not a herbaceous plant, but a small perennial and deciduous woody shrub, which reaches an average height of 2 m, rarely more.
The stems are initially herbaceous and then lignify over time. Growth is slow, the trunks have a narrow section and are slightly twisted, with a light brown bark. The branches are erect, then, as they stretch, they assume a prostrate bearing with a certain flexibility.
Weraq
The leaves are the hallmark of fragrant verbena. Rough to the touch, 5 to 7 cm long, they are narrow and elongated (lanceolate), light green in color and with evident median ribs. When you pass by the Luigia herb you cannot help but rub them and appreciate their intense aroma.
fjuri
The flowers of Luisa grass are small and star-shaped, gathered in a spike-shaped inflorescence at the apex of the branches. The color is white or pale purplish and flowering occurs in late summer.
How to grow lemon verbena
"LAloysia citriodora it is a species native to South America, where it grows spontaneously in countries such as Peru, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. It was then introduced in Europe starting from the seventeenth century. It is therefore a native plant of the subtropical climate, but which has adapted well to our latitudes. The ideal climate for cultivation is the mild one of the southern regions and the islands, however, the Luigia grass is able to tolerate the winter cold, being a deciduous species. Where it is very cold and frosts are frequent, one is still recommended protection during the winter monthsusing i non-woven fabric sheets.
Espożizzjoni
In the garden, the best exposure is the sunny one, possibly in partial shade. Locations that are too exposed to cold winds are to be avoided, therefore, perhaps, it can be placed in a point where it is protected by a wall or by larger trees.
If desired, it can be grown in pots, given its small size even as an adult.
Soil and fertilization
The perfect soil for growing Luigia grass should be of medium texture, well drained and with a good supply of organic matter. Before transplanting in open ground, it is advisable to amend the soil a Fertilizzant organikufor example of the demel maturofħumus tal-ħniex jew ta ' kompost tad-dar.
For the cultivation of lemon verbena in pots, a mix of universal soil and perlitalways with the addition of a good organic fertilizer.
Annually, at the end of winter, it is advisable to amend an organic fertilizer on the surface of the soil, in this case we recommend i lupini tal-art.
Riproduzzjoni miż-żerriegħa
Hemm Lippia citriodora it can be reproduced starting from the seed (which found for sale here). Sowing takes place in spring, between April and May, when the risk of frost is now behind us. It is advisable to use small pots of 12 cm in diameter, so that the young seedlings can grow in pots for the first year of life.
Multiplication from cuttings
The multiplication of this shrub with the teknika tal-qtugħ. Portions of semi-woody and non-flowering twigs, approximately 10-15 cm in length, should be chosen. The ideal time to take the cutting of Aloysia citriodora it is the summer, taking care, in the summer period, to keep the plant in a shaded area and with the soil always well moist. Periodically spray the leaves with water.
During the winter, the young seedling born from cuttings should be kept sheltered from the cold, at home or in a balcony greenhouse.
Trapjant
Whether you started from the seed or making a cutting of Luigia grass, the transplant in its final location (full ground or vase) must be done in spring, at the time of vegetative restart. Obviously, it is very easy to buy plants that have already grown in pots at a specialized shop. If you want to plant more than one specimen, take into account the transplant distance, which must be at least 1 m between one plant and another.
irrigazzjoni
The irrigation of lemon verbena is only necessary in spring and summer, especially after long periods of absence of rain. Be careful not to overdo it with water, creating dangerous root rot and leaf yellowing. Give water in the evening or early in the morning, little and often. In winter, wetting must be suspended.
Żbir
Initially, the shape of the plant is set with the pruning, opting for a single sapling trunk or raising a shrub bush. The choice is yours whether to keep one or more stems from the ground.
Annual pruning instead serves to keep the Luigia grass in order and with a harmonious shape. The cuts are made at the end of winter, before the vegetative restart. Start by removing dead or damaged branches, then make back cuts on longer branches. Thin out, eliminating some overlapping branches.
How to defend the Luigia weed from parasites in a biological way
Luigia herb is not a particularly attractive plant for parasites, probably this is due to the strong odor emanating from the leaves and the active ingredients (which we will see shortly) contained in the essential oil.
Jagħtu attenzjoni lill preżenza ta 'afidi in spring, which smear the vegetation with honeydew and, later, fumaggine.
The best way to get rid of aphids is by using the sapun tal-potassju artab or the classic Marseille soap.
Collection and conservation of Luigia grass
As mentioned, the fragrant verbena is a plant rich in beneficial properties and used in herbal medicine and in the kitchen. The properties are obviously preserved in the leaves, which must be collected in summer, when the content of active ingredients is highest. These can be used fresh or dried. Drying must be done in the shade and in an airy place. They are kept in the dark in glass jars.
Active ingredients and properties of the Luigia herb
IL kostitwenti ewlenin of the leaves ofAloysia citriodora are: essential oil (containing in turn citral and limonene), terpenic alcohols (linalool, terpineol), sesquiterpenes (caryophyllene) and flavonoids (salvigenin, eupafolin, ispidulin).
From these active principles derive properties: aromatic, eupeptic, antispasmodic, digestive, carminative, stimulant, anti-neuralgic.
Użi tal-ħxejjex
Lemon verbena is famous for its proprjetajiet ta 'fejqan. It is widespread as the leaves have a pleasant taste and, in general, are well tolerated by the body. In addition, they are used for the preparation of herbal teas, infusions and decoctions, especially to take advantage of the digestive, stomachic and antispasmodic properties. Preparations based on Aloysia citriodora they are indicated to give relief in cases of digestive hypotonia, meteorism, spasmodic gastritis, disturbances of the are, states of anxiety.
Beware of prolonged use, which in turn can cause gastric problems.
The Luigia era is also excellent for external use and are used in the preparation of ointments for relaxing massages.
The lemon verbena packs on the eyes have a relaxing and soothing effect.
Another use worth noting is in the making of scented candles: dipping the fresh and finely cut leaves in melted wax at 80 ° C.
L-impjant it is for sale in herbal medicinein different formulations and also as a pure essential oil.
Luigia herb in the kitchen
"Llumi verbena it is further appreciated in the kitchen for its marked aromatic properties. The fresh or dried leaves are used for the preparation of liqueurs and refreshing drinks, or more simply to flavor dishes, for example: fish, white meats, sauces, fruit salads, jellies, jams, ice creams, cakes and biscuits. Some people like it so much that they use it instead of tea or coffee.
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