Mentha

Mentha (also known as mint) is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae. The exact number of species is uncertain due to widespread hybridization among them. The genus has a subcosmopolitan distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America.

Description

Mints are aromatic, almost exclusively perennial herbs. They have wide-spreading underground and overground stolons and erect, square, branched stems. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, from oblong to lanceolate, often downy, and with a serrate margin.

Taxonomy

The genus Mentha comprises up to about 18 species, with a high degree of hybridization between them. The taxonomy of the genus is made difficult because many species hybridize readily, or are themselves derived from possibly ancient hybridization events.

Uses

Mints are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including Buff Ermine moths. Mints are widely distributed and can be found in many environments. Most grow best in wet environments and moist soils. Mints will grow 10–120 cm tall and can spread over an indeterminate area. Due to their tendency to spread unchecked, some mints are considered invasive.

See also

• List of Lamiaceae genera
• Mentha oil

External links

• ITIS Standard Report Page: Mentha
• IPNI Plant Name Query Results for Mentha

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