A small aromatic shrub, native mainly to Mediterranean regions and Atlantic islands, typical of dry scrub; young stems square; leaves narrow, sometimes deeply lobed, greyish, in opposite pairs; flowers 2-lipped, lavender or mauve, in dense spikes. It is widely cultivated for ornament, and as the source of oil of lavender for the perfume industry and for potpourri. (Genus: Lavandula, 28 species. Family: Labiatae.)
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About 25-30, including: |
The lavenders Lavandula are a genus of about 25-30 species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native from the Mediterranean region south to tropical Africa and east to India.
Cultivation and uses
The most common species in cultivation is the Common Lavender Lavandula angustifolia (formerly L. Lavender is also used to flavour sugar, the product being called "lavender sugar". Lavender is frequently used as an aid to sleep: Seeds and flowers of the plant are added to pillows, and an infusion of three flowerheads added to a cup of boiling water are recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink. Lavender oil (or extract of Lavender) is claimed to heal acne when used diluted 1:10 with water, rosewater, or witch hazel;
During the height of the Plague, glove makers at Grasse would scent their leathers with lavender oil, and this was claimed to ward off the Plague.
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