An Old World genus, distributed from Cape Verde and Canary Islands and Madeira across Africa, the Mediterranean, South-West Asia, Arabia, Western Iran and South-East India.
It is thought the genus originated in Asia but is most diversified in its western distribution.
The genus includes annuals, herbaceous plants, subshrubs, and small shrubs.
The native range extends across the Canary Islands, North and East Africa, Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, Arabia and India.
Because the cultivated forms are planted in gardens worldwide, they are occasionally found growing wild as garden escapees, well beyond their natural range. However, since lavender cross-pollinates easily, there are countless variations within the species.
The color of the flowers of some forms has come to be called lavender.
The most common species in cultivation is the common lavender Lavandula angustifolia.
Flowers also yield abundant nectar from which bees make a high-quality honey.
Monofloral honey is produced primarily around the Mediterranean, and is marketed worldwide as a premium product.
Flowers can be candied and are sometimes used as cake decorations.
Lavender is used extensively with herbs and aromatherapy.
Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
It was used in hospitals during World War I to disinfect floors and walls.
These extracts are also used as fragrances for bath products.