Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Alecost, Balsam herb, Bible leaf, Costmary, Mint geranium

Family: Asteraceae (Aster)

Distribution: Asia, Europe

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Comments: The English name costmary stems from costus, an Asian spice, and is associated with Saint Mary. Also in other languages it is associated with the Virgin Mary, most probably because it was sometimes used to treat women's diseases.