Rosemary
- Flower nameRosemary
- Scientific nameSalvia rosmarinus
- Aliasマンネンロウ, 迷送香
- Place of originMediterranean coast
- Place of floweringGarden, Botanical Gardens, Park, Potted flower, Ornamental plants
- Flowering seasonApril, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Language of flowersRecall
What is Rosemary
Birthday Flower of September 20: Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, synonym: Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen shrub of the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to the Mediterranean coast.
It is also called Rosmarinus in Japanese as “Mannennrō (迷送香).”
The plant can be erect, semi-trailing, or creeping. Erect types can grow up to 1.8 meters in height.
The leaves have antioxidant, antiseptic, and aromatic properties, and essential oil is extracted from its flowers.
Height: 120–180 cm
Leaves: Needle-like, resembling hemlock, arranged in opposite pairs and whorls
Flowers: From April to October, racemes develop at the tips of branches, with small bilabiate flowers about 1 cm long, usually in groups of 2–3. Colors include pale blue, violet, pink, and white.
Uses: The shrub is planted in gardens, as an ornamental tree, and in parks. Stems and leaves are used as a culinary herb to season and deodorize fish and meat dishes, in herbal teas, crafts, bath additives, and potpourri. Essential oil from the flowers promotes blood circulation.
Origin of the Name
The genus name Salvia derives from the Latin salvus (“health”), as the plant has long been used as a medicinal herb.
The species epithet rosmarinus comes from Latin ros (“dew”) + marinus (“of the sea”), referring to its natural growth along coastal cliffs.
The former epithet officinalis means “medicinal,” indicating its use in ancient medicine.
There is also a legend that the name “Rosemary” originates from “rose of Maria”, referring to the Virgin Mary who bore the child Jesus.
Rosemary in Film
In 1968, the American horror film Rosemary’s Baby was released. In the film, “Rosemary” is the name of a woman who becomes pregnant with the devil’s child. Perhaps it was a symbolic contrast to the Virgin Mary.
Flower Language (Hanakotoba)
“Remembrance” and “Memories.”
General Information:
Common name: Rosemary
Scientific name: Salvia rosmarinus
Synonym: Rosmarinus officinalis
Other names: rosemary, Mannennrō (迷送香)
Classification: Plantae – Angiosperms – Eudicots – Lamiales – Lamiaceae – Salvia – S. rosmarinus
Origin: Mediterranean coast
Height: 120–180 cm
Leaf shape: Needle-like; phyllotaxy: opposite compound, whorled
Blooming period: April–October
Inflorescence: raceme
Flower colors: pale blue, violet, pink, white
Flower size: approx. 1 cm; corolla: bilabiate
Uses: garden planting, ornamental plant, park tree, herb, spice.
Reference:
Rosemary(Scientific name: Salvia rosmarinus)