Mentha spicata

Mentha spicata, commonly known as Spearmint, is a species of mint native to Europe and Asia. It is widely used for its aromatic oil, known as Spearmint oil.

Description

Mentha spicata is a herbaceous, rhizomatous, perennial plant growing 30–100 cm tall, with variably hairless to hairy stems and foliage, and a wide-spreading fleshy underground rhizome. The leaves are 5–9 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The stem is square-shaped, a trademark characteristic of the mint family of herbs. Spearmint produces flowers in slender spikes, each flower pink or white, 2.5–3 mm long, and broad.

Habitat

Mentha spicata grows in wet soils. It is native to much of Europe and Asia (Middle East, Himalayas, China etc.), and naturalized in parts of northern and western Africa, North and South America, as well as various oceanic islands.

Uses

Spearmint is used for its aromatic oil, referred to as Spearmint oil. Spearmint oil is used as a flavoring for toothpaste and confectionery, and is sometimes added to shampoos and soaps. Used in aromatherapy, spearmint oil is also used as a mild tonic to the nervous system.

Cultivation

Spearmint grows well in nearly all temperate climates. Gardeners often grow it in pots or planters due to its invasive, spreading rhizomes. The plant prefers partial shade, but can flourish in full sun to mostly shade. Spearmint is best suited to loamy soils with abundant organic material.

See also

• Mentha
• Mentha longifolia
• Mentha suaveolens

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