Wulf's Webden

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Aztec Sweet Herb

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Earlier this year, I picked up some small plugs of Aztec Sweet Herb, also known as Colada or by various Latin names, including Lippia dulcis and Phyla scaberrima (having multiple Latin binomials rather defeats the point of the system for clear identification). I was intrigued by the idea of something I’d not come across before and added it into an order for some tomato and cucumber plug plants.

I planted it at the allotment and it is doing well although it turns out I’d got the wrong impression when I expected it to climb. It is more of a ground cover plant that is able to tumble down from a height. It has an intriguing and rather attractive scent and the (advertised as edible) leaves taste remarkably sweet when chewed. I’ve finally got round to doing some further research, trying to work out what to do with it now the plant is well established. I think the extensive article on live-native.com was the most useful although a short post and subsequent discussion on houzz.com was also interesting.

Sweetening, particularly added to tea, seems to be the main culinary use (not so much within baking or other cooking, as the sweetness compounds are damaged by high temperatures). There are also a range of traditional medical uses given. However, there are some points for concern. The leaves contain camphor, which webmd.com describes as unsafe to consume (“Consuming camphor can cause severe side effects, including death”. Eek!).

I think I’ll make occasional use of it in drinks for my own consumption but mainly enjoy it as a plant with a pleasant scent when brushed against. It also sounds like I need to propagate it and keep some protected from frost as it isn’t regarded as cold hardy. It doesn’t seem completely thuggish in its growth habits so perhaps I can also use it in patches where I’ve cleared away things like creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), which is both poisonous and quick to colonise up at the allotment.

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