Calamintha nepeta

Calamintha nepeta, also known as lesser calamint, is a perennial plant species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean Basin, but has been introduced to other regions of the world, including North America.

Description

Calamintha nepeta is a small, bushy plant that typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet. It has square stems and opposite, oval leaves that are approximately 1 inch long. The leaves are green to gray-green in color and have a strong, minty aroma when crushed. The plant produces small, white to pale pink flowers from early summer to fall. The flowers are tubular and bilaterally symmetrical, with a hooded upper lip and a larger, three-lobed lower lip.

Cultivation

Calamintha nepeta is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor, rocky soils. The plant is often used in herb gardens, rock gardens, or as a ground cover. It is also attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a good choice for pollinator gardens.

Uses

The leaves of Calamintha nepeta have been used in traditional medicine for their antispasmodic and carminative properties. They can be used fresh or dried and are often used in herbal teas. The plant is also used in cooking, particularly in Italian cuisine, where it is known as nepitella. It is often used to flavor grilled meats, mushrooms, and tomato-based sauces.

Taxonomy

The genus name Calamintha comes from the Greek words kalos, meaning beautiful, and minthe, meaning mint. The species name nepeta is derived from Nepete, the ancient Latin name for a town in Italy where the plant was believed to have originated.

See also

• List of Lamiaceae genera
• Mentha