Lemon Balm: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:24, 31 May 2025

Introduction[edit]

Melissa officinalis var. mandarina, commonly known as ‘Mandarina’ Lemon Balm, is a cultivar of the perennial herbaceous plant Melissa officinalis, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This variety is noted for its leaves, which have a distinct scent reminiscent of Mandarin oranges, making it a unique alternative to traditional lemon balm^[1]^[2]. Lemon balm is native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Central Asia, and Iran, and has been naturalized in many parts of the world^[3]^[4]. It has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal properties, culinary uses, and as an ornamental plant^[5].

Characteristics[edit]

Physical Characteristics: Lemon balm plants typically grow up to 1 m (3+1⁄2 ft) tall, with heart-shaped leaves that are 2–8 cm long and have a rough, veined surface^[6]^[7]. The ‘Mandarina’ variety is particularly valued for its Mandarin orange scent.
Growing Conditions: Lemon balm prefers rich, moist soil and full sun to partial shade^[8]^[9]. It can be grown from seed or propagated through division and cuttings^[10].
Lifecycle: As a perennial, lemon balm lives for about ten years but is often replaced every five years to maintain soil health^[11]. In mild climates, it dies back in winter and regrows in spring^[12].

Why is this crop useful for space?[edit]

Lemon balm, including the ‘Mandarina’ variety, could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Culinary and Medicinal Uses: Its leaves can be used to flavor food, make teas, and have calming effects, which could enhance the psychological well-being of astronauts during long missions^[13]. - Air Purification and Odor Control: The aromatic properties of lemon balm might help in maintaining a pleasant environment in closed systems like spacecraft. - Low Maintenance: Lemon balm is relatively easy to grow and maintain, requiring minimal care, which is advantageous in controlled environments like space stations.

History of Cultivation in Space[edit]

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Melissa officinalis var. mandarina in space. However, various herbs and plants have been grown in space as part of experiments to study plant growth in microgravity and to develop sustainable food systems for future missions. These experiments often focus on plants that are easy to grow, nutritious, and can provide psychological benefits, making lemon balm a potential candidate for future space cultivation projects.

References: - ^[14] MyGardenLife: Orange Balm ‘Mandarina’ (Melissa officinalis) - ^[15] Wikipedia: Lemon Balm - ^[16] Wisconsin Horticulture: Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis - ^[17] Washington College: Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis - ^[18] Garden.org: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis ‘Mandarina’) - [Note: Specific references to space cultivation of Melissa officinalis var. mandarina are not available, but general information on plant cultivation in space can be found in various scientific studies.]

References[edit]

[1] ttps://mygardenlife.com/plant-library/orange-balm-mandarina-melissa-officinalis

[2] ttps://garden.org/plants/view/786490/Lemon-Balm-Melissa-officinalis-Mandarina

[3] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm

[4] ttps://washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/melissa-officinalis.php

[5] ttps://washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/melissa-officinalis.php

[6] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm

[7] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis

[8] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis

[9] ttps://garden.org/plants/view/786490/Lemon-Balm-Melissa-officinalis-Mandarina

[10] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis

[11] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm

[12] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis

[13] ttps://washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/melissa-officinalis.php

[14] ttps://mygardenlife.com/plant-library/orange-balm-mandarina-melissa-officinalis

[15] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm

[16] ttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis

[17] ttps://washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/melissa-officinalis.php

[18] ttps://garden.org/plants/view/786490/Lemon-Balm-Melissa-officinalis-Mandarina

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{PlantProfile
-| scientific_name = Melissa officinalis
+| scientific_name = Melissa officinalis var. mandarina
 | family = Lamiaceae
-| varieties = <li>Default (ID: 72)</li>
+| varieties = <li>Mandarina (ID: 213)</li>
 }}
 <span id="introduction"></span>
 == Introduction ==
-'''Melissa officinalis''', commonly known as lemon balm, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, it is now cultivated worldwide for its medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic uses<ref>https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK600583</ref><ref>https://washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/melissa-officinalis.php</ref>. Lemon balm has been valued for centuries for its calming effects, antiviral properties, and as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia<ref>https://mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/lemon-balm</ref>. Its scientific name ''Melissa'' is derived from the Greek word for honeybee, reflecting its historical association with bees<ref>https://washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/melissa-officinalis.php</ref>.
+'''Melissa officinalis var. mandarina''', commonly known as ‘Mandarina’ Lemon Balm, is a cultivar of the perennial herbaceous plant ''Melissa officinalis'', belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This variety is noted for its leaves, which have a distinct scent reminiscent of Mandarin oranges, making it a unique alternative to traditional lemon balm<ref>https://mygardenlife.com/plant-library/orange-balm-mandarina-melissa-officinalis</ref><ref>https://garden.org/plants/view/786490/Lemon-Balm-Melissa-officinalis-Mandarina</ref>. Lemon balm is native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Central Asia, and Iran, and has been naturalized in many parts of the world<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm</ref><ref>https://washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/melissa-officinalis.php</ref>. It has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal properties, culinary uses, and as an ornamental plant<ref>https://washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/melissa-officinalis.php</ref>.
 <span id="characteristics"></span>
 == Characteristics ==
-* '''Physical Characteristics''': Lemon balm grows up to 1 meter tall with heart-shaped, wrinkled leaves that emit a lemon scent when rubbed. The plant produces small white or pale pink flowers in clusters during summer<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm</ref><ref>https://mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/lemon-balm</ref>.
+* '''Physical Characteristics''': Lemon balm plants typically grow up to 1 m (3+1⁄2 ft) tall, with heart-shaped leaves that are 2–8 cm long and have a rough, veined surface<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm</ref><ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis</ref>. The ‘Mandarina’ variety is particularly valued for its Mandarin orange scent.
-* '''Growing Conditions''': It thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade, adapting to various climates and soil types<ref>https://washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/melissa-officinalis.php</ref><ref>https://eddmaps.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=14130</ref>.
+* '''Growing Conditions''': Lemon balm prefers rich, moist soil and full sun to partial shade<ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis</ref><ref>https://garden.org/plants/view/786490/Lemon-Balm-Melissa-officinalis-Mandarina</ref>. It can be grown from seed or propagated through division and cuttings<ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis</ref>.
-* '''Lifecycle''': Lemon balm is a perennial that can live for about ten years, typically requiring replanting every five years to maintain vigor<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm</ref>.
+* '''Lifecycle''': As a perennial, lemon balm lives for about ten years but is often replaced every five years to maintain soil health<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm</ref>. In mild climates, it dies back in winter and regrows in spring<ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis</ref>.
 <span id="why-is-this-crop-useful-for-space"></span>
 == Why is this crop useful for space? ==
-Lemon balm could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - '''Stress Reduction''': Its calming effects could help mitigate stress in astronauts during long-duration space missions<ref>https://mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/lemon-balm</ref>. - '''Antiviral Properties''': Lemon balm’s antiviral activity might be useful in controlling viral infections in space environments where immune systems may be compromised<ref>https://mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/lemon-balm</ref>. - '''Cognitive Benefits''': It may enhance cognitive function and mood, which is crucial for maintaining mental health in space<ref>https://mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/lemon-balm</ref>. - '''Low Maintenance''': As a hardy plant, it could thrive in controlled environments with minimal maintenance, making it suitable for space gardens.
+Lemon balm, including the ‘Mandarina’ variety, could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - '''Culinary and Medicinal Uses''': Its leaves can be used to flavor food, make teas, and have calming effects, which could enhance the psychological well-being of astronauts during long missions<ref>https://washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/melissa-officinalis.php</ref>. - '''Air Purification and Odor Control''': The aromatic properties of lemon balm might help in maintaining a pleasant environment in closed systems like spacecraft. - '''Low Maintenance''': Lemon balm is relatively easy to grow and maintain, requiring minimal care, which is advantageous in controlled environments like space stations.
 <span id="history-of-cultivation-in-space"></span>
 == History of Cultivation in Space ==
-There is no specific record of lemon balm being cultivated in space. However, its adaptability and potential benefits make it a candidate for future space agriculture projects aimed at improving crew health and well-being. As space agencies explore sustainable food systems and psychological support for astronauts, plants like lemon balm could play a role in these initiatives.
+There is no specific information available on the cultivation of ''Melissa officinalis var. mandarina'' in space. However, various herbs and plants have been grown in space as part of experiments to study plant growth in microgravity and to develop sustainable food systems for future missions. These experiments often focus on plants that are easy to grow, nutritious, and can provide psychological benefits, making lemon balm a potential candidate for future space cultivation projects.
+'''References:''' - <ref>https://mygardenlife.com/plant-library/orange-balm-mandarina-melissa-officinalis</ref> MyGardenLife: Orange Balm ‘Mandarina’ (Melissa officinalis) - <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm</ref> Wikipedia: Lemon Balm - <ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lemon-balm-melissa-officinalis</ref> Wisconsin Horticulture: Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis - <ref>https://washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/lifelong-learning/plants/lamiaceae/melissa-officinalis.php</ref> Washington College: Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis - <ref>https://garden.org/plants/view/786490/Lemon-Balm-Melissa-officinalis-Mandarina</ref> Garden.org: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis ‘Mandarina’) - [Note: Specific references to space cultivation of Melissa officinalis var. mandarina are not available, but general information on plant cultivation in space can be found in various scientific studies.]
 == References ==
 <references />