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Mentha × villosa
| Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
| Common Name: | Bowles Mint, Hairy Mint, Woolly Mint, Foxtail Mint |
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Name
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 | 0.6 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 1.2 m |
Biogeography
| Preferred Climate Zone | Temperate |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Perennial herb. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Oblong, toothed, softly hairy leaves are arranged in pairs. |
| Flowers | The purple flowers are tightly clustered in verticillasters, forming a spike-like inflorescence. |
| Similar | Compared to other mint cultivars, this hybrid has a sweeter flavour. |
| Taxonomy | This hybrid is a cross between spearmint (Mentha spicata) and apple mint (Mentha suaveolens). |
| Cultivation | In Singapore, this hybrid grows best in a semi-shaded location and rich, well-drained soil that is kept moist. |
| Etymology | The genus Mentha is Latin for Minthe, the name of a nymph in Greek mythology who was turned into a mint plant. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves Food (Herb or Spice): The leaves provide a refreshing flavor to drinks sich as mojito cocktails and herbal tea. They can also be used to make mint sauce which pairs well with meat dishes, such as roasted lamb. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Container Planting |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting (Herbaceous), Division |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose, Raised / Sunken Veins |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Inflorescence Type | Verticel |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31516 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5913 |
| 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. |
