Verbenaceae
Burrito: Aromatic Plant
Aloysia polystachya
A garden plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It tolerates various soil types and propagates easily from cuttings. Water when the soil surface feels dry, avoid waterlogging in winter, and prune in spring to maintain a bushy shape.
Every 4 days
Bright indirect
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Burrito?
Burrito (Aloysia polystachya) is a easy-care plant from the Verbenaceae family. An aromatic shrub from the verbena family, native to Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, where it grows both wild and in home gardens. It reaches about 4.3 feet (1.3 m) in height, featuring dark green pointed leaves measuring 1.5 to 3 inches (4 to 8 cm) with a scent reminiscent of mint and lemon. In s...
Burrito grows up to 1.3m, watering every 4 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Burrito tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Burrito is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Burrito?
TLDR: Burrito needs Bright indirect, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Burrito?
Water when the top few inches of soil are dry. During winter, space out waterings: cold, waterlogged soil can cause root rot.
How Much Light Does Burrito Need?
Full sun or bright partial shade. In low light, the branches become leggy and sparse, and the leaves lose their aromatic intensity.
What Is the Best Soil for Burrito?
Adapts to various soil types as long as there is good drainage. For pots, use garden soil mixed with coarse sand and ensure there are drainage holes.
What Pot Should You Use for Burrito?
Large pot (12 inches or more) with drainage holes; in areas without hard frosts, planting directly in the ground is preferred.
What Is Burrito and Where Does It Come From?
An aromatic shrub from the verbena family, native to Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, where it grows both wild and in home gardens. It reaches about 4.3 feet (1.3 m) in height, featuring dark green pointed leaves measuring 1.5 to 3 inches (4 to 8 cm) with a scent reminiscent of mint and lemon. In spring and summer, it produces dense spikes of tiny white flowers that are also fragrant. The leaves are used in chimarrão, tereré, and herbal teas; the plant is commercially cultivated for the "compuesta" yerba mate popular in the Río de la Plata region.
How to Propagate Burrito?
Stem cuttings
The plant roots easily from branches. Rooting hormone is optional. Transplant to a permanent location only once firm new growth appears.
- 1 Cut healthy stems 4 to 6 inches long
- 2 Remove leaves from the bottom half
- 3 Bury the base in sand or a light, moist substrate
- 4 Keep in partial shade with moist substrate until sprouting occurs
Materials needed:
How Big Does Burrito Grow?
TLDR: Burrito can reach up to 1.3m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.3m
Plant Uses
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional tea for indigestion, gas, and cramps
- Popularly used as a mild sedative; the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia lists the leaf tincture as a mild anxiolytic
- Do not use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in conjunction with anxiolytic medications
Culinary Uses
- Fresh or dried leaves added to chimarrão and tereré
- Aromatic infusion (burrito tea)
- Ingredient in composite yerba mate blends
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Burrito?
TLDR: Burrito is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Aloysia polystachya - Wikipedia (es)
- Aloysia polystachya (ALYPO) - EPPO Global Database
- Tintura de Aloysia polystachya - Formulario de Fitoterapicos da Farmacopeia Brasileira
- Ponerle burrito al mate - Diario Uno
- Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of Aloysia polystachia: an in vivo study in rabbits
- Aloysia polystachya - RHS
