Agricultural Information:

Family: Verbenaceae
Scientific name: Lippia triphylla

This perennial plant is woody, especially in its lower section. Its leaves have a distinct lemony aroma due to the unique essential oils it contains.

Historical Information:

The plant is native to South America and is not mentioned in Rabbinic literature.

Halachic Information:

Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting – annuals & grapevines): Since the plant is a woody perennial, it is considered a tree. For this reason, it is permissible to plant it near annuals and grapevines.

Orlah (waiting three years for fruit): While classified as a tree, since its leaves are used and not its botanical fruit, orlah laws do not apply to the leaves.

Terumot and ma’aserot (offerings and tithes): Since the leaves are used only to impart flavor and are not eaten on their own, there is no obligation to separate terumot and ma’aserot. Nevertheless, some are stringent and separate terumot and ma’aserot without a blessing.

Blessing for fragrance: Borei atzei besamim (Creator of fragrant trees).

Information about plants as they relate to torah and mitzvot has been generously provided by Mercaz Torah VeHa’aretz Institute.