Herb: Sweet Alyssum
Latin name: Lobularia maritima
Synonyms: Alyssum maritimum, Clypeola maritima
Family: Cruciferae
Medicinal use of Sweet Alyssum:
The plant is commonly used in Spain as an antiscorbutic and diuretic. It is also highly esteemed there as an astringent in the treatment of gonorrhoea.
Description of the plant:
Plant:
Annual/Perennial
Height:
15 cm
(6 inches)
Scent:
Scented
Annual/Perennial
Habitat of the herb:
Dry sunny places in the Mediterranean. Grows by the coast in Britain.
Edible parts of Sweet Alyssum:
The young leaves, stems and flowers are sometimes used as aflavouring in salads and other dishes where pungency is required.
Propagation of the herb:
Seed - it can be sown in situ during mid to late spring and should germinate within 2 weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted. In order to obtain an earlier display of the flowers, the seed can be sown in agreenhouse in late winter. When large enough to handle, the seedlings are pricked out into individual pots and are then planted out in late spring.
Cultivation of Sweet Alyssum:
Dry sunny places in the Mediterranean. Grows by the coast in Britain.
Known hazards of Lobularia maritima:
None known
Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.
