Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Perennial herb up to 0.9 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Bright green leaves are oval with rounded edges and a toothed leaf margin. The veins are deeply sunken, creating a bumpy, twisted leaf surface. |
| Flowers | Tubular flowers are white to light pink or purple. The spike inflorescences are tightly clustered together and held above the foliage. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves, Edible Flowers Food (Herb or Spice): The leaves are used in custards, breads, desserts, vegetable and fruit dishes. It is also used to make tea, candy, cookies and beverages. Medicinal: The essential oil of mint have been used against respiratory, digestive, nervous system and immune disorders. The hot tea has been used for colds and flu. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly-Attracting Plant |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Rough |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Margin | Crenate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse, Attenuate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31203 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5597 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
