Melissa officinalis

Species category

Herb or Spice, Weed

Common name

common balm

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

NutletNutlet:
A small, dry, indehiscent carpel of a fruit, usually composed of one quarter of the fruit with each enclosing a single seed (e.g. mints).

Shape

ObovateObovate:
Inverted egg shaped with apical end the broadest.

Size

  • Length 1.8–2 mm
  • Width 0.7–0.9 mm
  • Thickness 0.5–0.7 mm

Color

Black

Texture

GranularGranular:
Resembling or consisting of small grains or particles.

Other structures

Two flat surfaces on ventralVentral:
Adaxial; of the side of an organ facing the axis (compare dorsal).
side with rib between

Identification notes

DorsalDorsal:
Upper side or back of a seed or fruit.
side is rounded transversely. BasalBasal:
The base of the fruit or seed opposite the apical end.
end white.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Lamiaceae

Valid name

Melissa officinalis L.

 Melissa officinalis.  Nutlets with a white basal end and a transversely rounded side.
Melissa officinalis. Nutlets with a white basal end and a transversely rounded side.
Comparison of  Asperugo procumbens  and  Melissa officinalis.  Photo by Michael K. Kirkpatrick, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Comparison of Asperugo procumbens and Melissa officinalis. Photo by Michael K. Kirkpatrick, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.