Munstead-type Lavender

Munstead-type Lavender

Scientific Name:
Lavandula angustifolia

Family:
Lamiaceae

Varieties:

• Angustifolia (ID: 212)

Introduction

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender or true lavender, is a flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is widely cultivated for its aromatic flowers and leaves, which are used in herbal medicine, perfumes, and culinary applications. The ‘Munstead’ variety, a type of Lavandula angustifolia, is particularly noted for its compact size and high essential oil content, making it a popular choice for gardens and crafts.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Lavandula angustifolia is a shrubby perennial that grows up to 1 to 3 feet tall and spreads 2 to 4 feet wide. It has gray-green, evergreen leaves and produces purple or pinkish flowers on upright spikes.
• Growing Conditions: It thrives in well-drained, light soil and full sun, tolerating drought but not wet conditions. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 and above.
• Lifecycle: As a perennial, it blooms annually, typically in summer. It can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, division, or layering.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Lavandula angustifolia could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Air Purification: Lavender is known for its calming effects and could potentially contribute to air purification systems in space habitats. - Stress Reduction: The aromatic properties of lavender might help reduce stress in astronauts, improving their mental well-being during long-duration missions. - Low Maintenance: Its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements make it an attractive option for controlled environments with limited resources. - Culinary and Medicinal Uses: Lavender can be used in cooking and herbal remedies, providing a versatile crop for space-based agriculture.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

Currently, there are no specific records of Lavandula angustifolia being cultivated in space. However, NASA and other space agencies have conducted experiments on growing plants in space to study plant growth and development under microgravity conditions. These experiments aim to develop sustainable food systems and improve air quality in future space missions. While lavender has not been a focus of these studies, its characteristics make it a potential candidate for future research in space agriculture.