Mentha spicata subsp. spicata
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Description
Mentha spicata is a perennial aromatic herb, usually 30–100 cm tall, spreading through underground rhizomes. Stems are erect, quadrangular, branched, and often green to reddish. Leaves are simple, opposite, and decussate, narrowly ovate to lanceolate, 3–8 cm long, with serrated margins, pointed apex, and a characteristic mint aroma due to essential oils. Leaves are attached by short petioles. Flowers are small, bisexual, zygomorphic, arranged in dense terminal spikes. The calyx is tubular with five teeth, and the corolla is usually pale purple to pinkish-white with four lobes. Stamens are four and usually included or slightly exserted. Fruits are small four-parted schizocarps (nutlets) containing tiny seeds.
Ethnobotany & Uses
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