Lemon Verbena Podcast Script:

lemon_verbena2_podcast_script.pdf

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Hello, this is Plant Talk and I am your host Edward Slaughter.

Today we have a special interview for you, with the most lemony dicot this side of the Ural Mountains. Give it up for Lemon Verbena.

Applause

Now, Lemon Verbena, perhaps you can tell us a little about yourself.

Silence

Okay, I understand, you can't talk about it. Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to tell everyone why it is that you're so lemony.

Now, as I understand it, you originate from South America, and were introduced to North America, Europe, and North Africa. That must make you pretty well traveled. Tell us, are the pyramids really as big as they make them out to be?

Pause

Oh, never mind, we'll discus it later.

Now, I've heard that you like moist climates with lots of sun, and in good conditions can weight up to 2,000 pounds and leap up 25 feet in a single bound... Oh sorry wrong statistic... that is can grow up to 15 feet in ideal conditions.

And it common knowledge that you are the most lemony of all dicots this side of the Ural Mountains. Can you tell us why you are so lemony?... Ah, it repel the bugs does it? I suppose it's a survival tactic, isn't it?... I wish I could repel bugs by simply smelling. Although then I'd repel people as well.

Now, what are some of the uses for which your leaves have been used to in recent centuries?... For cooking syrups, cakes, and custards? Sounds good.

I've also heard that your leaves contain the active chemicals including cineole, tannins, limonene, and citral. Now, if you understood any of that, please see your local EM room for a immediate brain surgery.

Well, folks, that's all we've got today. Listen in next time, when we will investigate growing the largest stink of all time.

This is Plant Talk on NPR: Nation Plant Radio.

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