Lippia javanica, commonly known as Lemon Bush or Fever Tea, is a semi-deciduous shrub native to open woodlands and grasslands of southern Africa. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 meters and spreads to a similar width. The plant is characterized by its rough, hairy stems and small, lance-shaped leaves that emit a strong lemon scent when crushed. The white flowers are small but numerous, forming clusters that bloom sporadically throughout the year, with a peak in late summer to fall. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they are attractive to pollinators such as bees.

Lemon Bush is valued for its aromatic foliage and its use as a natural insect repellent, making it a practical choice for planting in herb gardens, borders, and as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to deter pests. It is also used in traditional African medicine, particularly for treating colds and fever. In cultivation, Lippia javanica requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun to partial shade and preferring well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor non-native species for unexpected spread.CC BY-SA 4.0