Vervain, Verbena officinalis, is a flower of autumn, it grows on Skopelos in localities which are damp during winter months, in ditches and areas flooded by high tides. The plant has thick deeply serrated leaves and rigid branched flower stems bearing spikes of tiny mauve flowers,which have no scent.

The ancient Greeks considered it to be a sacred herb dedicated to Eos, the goddess of dawn; it was used to cleanse temples and bless altars. It has been valued since ancient times as a herbal remedy for a variety of illnesses, particularly women’s conditions and it was thought to cure plague. It was also considered as a herb of love and recommended as an aphrodisiac.

The Greek name stavrobotano, cross plant, refers to the belief that it was used to treat Christ’s wounds.