Rosemary
Family Labiatae (or Lamiaceae)
Rosmarinus officinalis, rosemary (R. officinalis 1), is an evergreen bushy shrub, up to 2 m tall, with leathery, simple linear leaves, about 5 cm long, recurved at the margins. The whitish or bluish flowers are borne in small axillary racemes.
Distribution and use
Rosemary is native in the Mediterranean region and is mainly cultivated for its essential oil, which is used in soap, perfumery, shampoo and cosmetics. Most of this oil is produced in France and Spain. It is of minor importance as a culinary herb. In the Middle Ages monks took the plant to Germany, where it was used to chase spirits.