BALM

balm, a fragrant herb, _melissa officinalis_, of the deadnettle order (_labiatae_) with opposite, ovate, crenulated leaves, which are wrinkled above, and small white or rose-spotted flowers. it is a native of central and southern europe; it is often grown in gardens and has become naturalized in the south of england and grows apparently wild as a garden escape in north america. the name is from the greek [greek: melissa], the plant being visited by bees. bastard balm is an allied plant, _melittis melissophyllum_, a southern european species, found in the south and south-west of england.