MONAR'DA DI'DYMA. 
OSWEGO TEA. 
Order. 
MONOGYNIA. 
Natural Order. 
LABIATE. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Introduced 
N. America. 
2 feet. 
June, Aug. 
Perennial. 
in 1752. 
No. 140. 
The generic term Monarda was instituted in 
honour of Nicholas Monardes, a physician of Seville, 
and a writer of considerable eminence. The trivial 
name Didyma is applied to this species from the 
flowers having four stamens ; or, more properly 
speaking, two stamens, and the rudiments of two 
others ; consequently it may be considered subdidy- 
namous. It as been called Oswego Tea, from its 
use amongst some of the Inhabitants of America, 
and particularly by those of Oswego. An infusion 
of the leaves, with sugar and cream, certainly forms 
a pleasant aromatic beverage, and its quality has 
been considered mildly febrifuge. 
In some parts of England the Monardas are in- 
discriminately known by the name of Virgin Honey- 
suckle. Virgin, is doubtless, a contraction of Vir- 
ginian, in allusion to its native place. 
From its odour, its appearance, and the facility 
with which it is propagated, this plant is now very 
generally met with in small and large collections. 
Of its cultivation we need say but little. It may 
be divided for increase, and grows in any common 
garden*soil. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 52. 
Class. 
DIANDR1A. 
