The Romans gave this Mediterranean plant its Latin name—ros marinus, or “dew of the sea.” Rosemary gets its moisture from seaside air, but needs little rain. Its small, stiff, fragrant leaves on woody branches over the years have been associated with love, remembrance, death, and cheerfulness.

These days we rub rosemary on lamb, and roast potatoes in olive oil laced with rosemary leaves.. 

Rosemary plant (Oxford Book of Food Plants)