Mentha spicata
Mentha spicata
Mentha spicata (pronunciation: MEN-thuh spi-KAY-tuh), commonly known as spearmint or garden mint, is a species of mint native to Europe and Asia. It is used widely in traditional medicine and as a flavoring.
Etymology
The genus name Mentha is derived from the mythological character Menthe, a nymph who was transformed into a mint plant, and spicata is Latin for 'spiky' or 'pointed'.
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 trait common to members of the mint family. The flowers are white to pink, 2.5–3 mm long and produced in slender spikes.
Uses
Mentha spicata has a long history of medicinal use. It is used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic properties and is also used as a flavoring in food and drink. It is also used in aromatherapy for its refreshing and uplifting scent.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mentha spicata
- Wikipedia's article - Mentha spicata
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