Commemorating Maria Luisa (1751–1819), Princess of Parma who married Charles IV of Spain.

Shrubs containing aromatic oils. Leaves opposite or whorled, simple, entire or toothed. Flower cluster a spike or raceme, narrow and open. Flowers often hairy, of 4 lobes, 2-lipped. Stamens 4, enclosed, attached at the middle of the flower tube. Ovary of 2 chambers, with 1 ovule in each chamber. Fruit enclosed by flower at maturity, forming 2 nutlets.

Softwood cuttings.

Aromatic oils used for teas, pot-pourri, etc.

Leaflets in 3s with a strong aroma of lemon when crushed.

37 species from the Americas.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Verbenaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.