Lippia graveolens | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | Verbenaceae |
Genus: | Lippia |
Species: | L. graveolens
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Binomial name | |
Lippia graveolens | |
Synonyms | |
Lippia graveolens, a species of flowering plant in the verbena or vervain family, Verbenaceae, is native to the southwestern United States (Texas and southern New Mexico), Mexico, and Central America as far south as Nicaragua.[1] Common names include: Mexican oregano, redbrush lippia, orégano cimarrón ('wild oregano'), scented lippia,[3] and scented matgrass.[4] The specific epithet is derived from two Latin words: gravis, meaning 'heavy', and olens, meaning 'smelling'.[5] It is a shrub or small tree, reaching 1–2.7 m (3.3–8.9 ft) in height.[2] Fragrant white or yellowish flowers can be found on the plant throughout the year, especially after rains.[3]