About Santolina rosmarinifolia L.
Santolina rosmarinifolia, commonly called holy flax, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to southwestern Europe. It is a dense, compact evergreen shrub that grows 60 cm (24 in) tall and wide. It produces narrow, aromatic green leaves, and bears tight yellow composite flowerheads on slender stalks above the foliage during summer. Its Latin specific epithet rosmarinifolia refers to the leaves' mild resemblance to the leaves of rosemary. In cultivation, it works well as groundcover or an edging plant, growing best in sunny, well-drained locations. It does not tolerate winter wetness, and can be short-lived. Two cultivars have earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit: 'Lemon Fizz', and the dwarf cultivar S. rosmarinifolia subsp. rosmarinifolia 'Primrose Gem'. This plant is also known by the common names olive herb and Wadi tops. Its leaves can be used in Mediterranean dishes and cocktails to add an olive-like flavour.
