Strong smelling plant

9 years ago

Hello,

I've been trying to identify a plant which I smelled extensively while working in Cyprus in the 1990's. I subsequently have smelt this plant from time to time in the UK and it has always brought back memories. This week, while visiting Edinburgh botanic gardens, I managed to track the plant down. I've attached a picture in the hope that someone can identify it. It was growing outside and in full leaf, so must be hardy, and has a very distinct smell. Difficult to describe but not unlike hemp. It has a shrub like habit and has woody stems. Leaves are 2-3 cm long and about 1.5 cm wide. If someone can ID it, I'll plant some in my garden as a 'reminiscent' plant! Thanks!

This post was edited by timdunn on Tue, Dec 30, 14 at 15:44

Comments (8)

lazy_gardens
9 years ago
No picture.
zzackey
9 years ago
Some type of mint? Does it have a square stem?
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timdunn
Original Author
9 years ago
I don't think so, as certainly has no minty smell. Stem is round/slightly ellipsoid. It's been quite frosty so I doubt mint would still be in leaf.
timdunn
Original Author
9 years ago
After some googling, I think it may be Lantana spp?
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
9 years ago
I see what you mean but Lantana would not survive reliably outside in Edinburgh - or anywhere else in the UK afaik.

Have a look at Cistus species on Google and see if any ring a bell. RBGE has a fair number of them.

If that doesn't work I'm sure they could tell you what you saw if you email them.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cistus at RBGE
suemcwirraluk
9 years ago
My first thought was lemon balm but I'm sure you would have said if it smelled lemony. No other ideas, sorry.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
9 years ago
OP said the plant was evergreen and shrubby with woody stems which doesn't fit Lemon Balm.
thedecoguy
9 years ago
For some reason, Calceolaria comes to mind.