Description
Balm of Gilead (Cedronella canariensis), also called Canary Island Balm or Té de Canariensis, is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to the Canary Islands. It grows as a compact, bushy shrub up to 1–1.5 m tall with aromatic, bright green leaves and small tubular pink to lilac flowers in summer that attract bees and pollinators. The foliage has a sweet, lemony-minty fragrance and is traditionally used to make herbal teas. Balm of Gilead thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, and is hardy in mild New Zealand climates. It is valued as a Culinary Herb for teas, mentioned but not validated as a Medicinal Herb for gentle calming and digestive support, and a Pollinator Plant.
