Monarda fistulosa
Monarda fistulosa (pronunciation: mo-NAR-da fis-tu-LO-sa), commonly known as wild bergamot or bee balm, is a perennial plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae).
Etymology
The genus name Monarda honors Spanish botanist Nicholas Monardes, who studied medicinal plants in the 16th century. The species name fistulosa refers to the tubular shape of the flower, derived from the Latin word 'fistula' meaning 'pipe' or 'tube'.
Description
Monarda fistulosa is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 1.2 meters tall. The leaves are lance-shaped, serrated, and dark green. The flowers are tubular, lavender to pink in color, and bloom in dense clusters from mid to late summer. The plant has a distinctive minty aroma.
Habitat and Distribution
Monarda fistulosa is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, woodlands, and meadows. It is widely distributed across the United States and Canada.
Medicinal Uses
Historically, Monarda fistulosa has been used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes. The plant is known for its antiseptic properties, and the leaves and flowers can be used to make a tea that is used to treat respiratory ailments and fevers.
Related Species
Other species in the Monarda genus include Monarda didyma (scarlet bee balm), Monarda punctata (spotted bee balm), and Monarda citriodora (lemon bee balm).
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Monarda fistulosa
- Wikipedia's article - Monarda fistulosa
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