Common Name: |
Australian Mint |
Other Names: |
River Mint |
Botanical Name: |
Mentha australis. |
Genus: |
Mentha |
Family: |
Lamiaceae |
Location: |
Australia, inland in all states. |
Cultivation: |
Rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Mentha aquatica thrives in wet soil and M. arvensis tolerates dry conditions. Mentha pulegium prefers damn, sandy, acid soil; M. requienii needs moist shady conditions. Foliage may damaged by mildew and rust, though M. x villosa var. alopecuroides is resistant to rust. Most mints are invasive and are best grown in confined space. Mentha pulegium is a protected species in parts of Europe, and subject to statuatory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring (M. pulegium, M. requienii, M. satureioides only); by division in spring or autumn; by tip cuttings during the growing season, placed in moist soil mix or water (not M. requienii). Mentha requienii usually self sown self-sows. |
Harvest: |
Whole plants are cut as flowering begins, and leaves are cut during the growing season, and used fresh or dried for use in concentrated waters, infusions, liquid extracts, powders, spirits, or oil distillation. Mentha arvensis is mainly decocted or powdered in Chinese remedies. |
Height: |
80cm (32in) |
Width: |
1m (3ft) |
Hardiness: |
Z9 |
Parts Used: |
Whole plant,leaves. |
Properties: |
An aromatic, decongestant herb with a peppermint aroma. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally, in Aboriginal medicine, for coughs and colds, and as an abortifacient. Externally, crushed and inhaled for headaches. |
Culinary Uses: |
Leaves are used for flavoring. |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp.275-276
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