Height: 15 m.

Some ornamental value (B)

Our philosophy and explanations about this page

Here you can buy the seeds of this species.

INTRODUCTION

This Chilean Lemon Beebrush is a very aromatic herb, the leaves of which can be used to prepare tea in the same way as the normal Lemon Beebrush (Aloysia triphylla). Its main feature is the extreme resilience against drought, because it can survive even on 40 mm. average rainfall per year and go for more than a year without a drop of water. However, if you water it properly, it explodes with fragrant leaves and white flowers which cover the tips of the branches to

Image of Aloysia salviifolia

III Region, Boqueron Chañar, quebrada, Chile
Altitude: 300 m. 09 18, 2008

DESCRIPTION

Plant type: Shrub

Height: 15 m.

Image of Aloysia salviifolia

III Region, Boqueron Chañar, quebrada, Chile
Altitude: 300 m. 09 18, 2008

HABITAT

In Chile this species grows in the following environmental conditions:

Habitat according to altitude:

Low altitude, interior valleys
Coastal mountains, 500 - 2000 m.
Coastal areas, 0 - 500 m

Watering conditions:

Coastal fog/camanchaca: The plants obtain water mainly from condensation.
Extremely dry areas with very rare rainfall. The dry season lasts 8 - 12 months and in some years it is possible to have no rainfall at all. Rainfall less than 100 mm/year.

Light conditions:

Fully exposed to the sun. Level areas or slopes facing north.

Image of Aloysia salviifolia

III Region, Boqueron Chañar, quebrada, Chile
Altitude: 300 m. 09 18, 2008

USES

Some ornamental value (B)

Useful properties:

Medicinal
Edible plant

It is a very ornamental plant which has also edible properties, since its leaves can be used to brew tea and contain essential oils.

Image of Aloysia salviifolia

III Region, Boqueron Chañar, quebrada, Chile
Altitude: 300 m. 09 18, 2008

GROWING TIPS

This species has the following hardiness:

USDA Hardiness Zone 9. The plant does not tolerate snow, but can tolerate occasional freezing spells of about - 5° C (the typical morning frost of central Chile).

It requires well-drained, not excessively fertile soil. In its natural habitat it grows mainly on sand. It needs sunlight, but may require some shade in areas with hot summers. Watering can be minimal, and fertilization is usually not required. It is a fast grower, if you start from seeds, it can begin blooming around third year, and with cuttings it is even possible to have the first flowers that same first season.

More photos (8) of Aloysia salviifolia (Hook. & Arn.) Moldenke available here  

More species from the same Verbenaceae family in our data base:

Acantholippia trifida

Aloysia salviifolia (Cedrón del monte)

Diostea juncea (Retama o retamo (de cordillera))

Glandularia atacamensis

Glandularia origenes

Lampaya medicinalis

Phyla reptans

Rhaphithamnus spinosus (Arrayán macho/Espino blanco/Huayún)

Verbena litoralis (Verbena)

Verbena selaginoides (Verbena arbustiva)

Verbena sulphurea (Verbena amarilla)

Unidentified Plant #1905