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Clinopodium nepeta subsp. spruneri

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Clinopodium nepeta subsp. spruneri (Boiss.) Bartolucci & F.Conti

Family Name: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Synonyms: Clinopodium nepeta subsp. glandulosum (Req.) Govaerts, Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi, Calamintha nepeta subsp. glandulosa (Req.) P.W.Ball, Melissa glandulosa (Req.) Benth
Common Name: Lesser Calamint, Nepetella, Nepitella, Calamint, Field Balm

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Infraspecific Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Herbaceous Plant
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Maximum Height 17 cm to 90 cm

Biogeography

Native Distribution Southern Europe to Great Britain.
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Grassland / Savannah/ Scrubland, Disturbed Area / Open Ground)
Preferred Climate Zone Temperate, Mediterranean
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Perennial herb up to 45 cm tall.
Foliage Egg-shaped to round leaves occur in pairs along the stem. Crushed leaves have a mint- and lemon-like fragrance.
Flowers White, light purple or pink flowers occur in a verticillaster inflorescence where paired clusters of flowers resemble a whorled arrangement.
Fruit Its tiny fruits are 0.9-1 mm by 0.5-0.6 mm.
Habitat It grows in open grasslands.
Associated Fauna Its flowers are pollinated by bees.
Cultivation It can be propagated by seed or stem cutting.
Etymology The genus Clinopodium is derived from the Greek 'klino' meaning slope/ bed and 'podos' meaning one foot. The specific epithet nepeta is a reference to Nepi, a town in ancient Italy.
Ethnobotanical Uses Food (Herb or Spice): Its leaves are dried and used as tea leaves.
Medicinal:

Traditional Medicinal Uses

It is reported to treat weaknesses of the stomach, depression, insomnia and painful menstruation. However, it should not be consumed by pregnant women as excessive consumption is said to cause miscarriages.

It is important to note that some therapeutic effects from traditional medicinal uses of plants are not currently supported or verified by scientific research.

Landscaping Features

Landscaping It is suitable for growing as a ground cover in gardens as it has a bushy and rhizomatous habit.
Desirable Plant Features Fragrant (Foliage)
Landscape Uses Small Gardens, Flowerbed / Border, Groundcover
Thematic Landscaping Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Abiotic

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Propagation Method Seed, Stem Cutting

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Young Flush Texture(s) Hairy / Hirsute
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Opposite
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate)
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Serrate / Toothed
Foliar Apex - Tip Acute
Foliar Base Rounded / Obtuse

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) White, Purple, Pink
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Terminal
Flower Symmetry Bilateral
Individual Flower Shape Tubular, Labiate / Lipped
Inflorescence Type Spike
Flower Size 2 cm
Inflorescence Size 45 cm

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Green
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit

Image Repository

Images

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Master ID 31257
Species ID 5652
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.
Species record last updated on: 08 February 2024.
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