Lemon balm, which is commonly known as Melissa, is a perennial herb of the mint family Lamiaceae. It bears white flowers towards the end of the summers. Its bright green leaves have a distinct lemony taste. It is a native of southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. The sweet nectar of the flowers attract honey bees. It is this characteristic that gives the plant its scientific name Melissa officinalis, as melissa is the Greek word for bees.