Uses
Toxic parts
Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, large quantities of some members of this genus, especially when taken in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so some caution is advised.
Edible uses
Notes
Leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb
[1]. Used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods
[2]. The leaves have a similar flavour to spearmint, and are considered to be superior in flavour to that species but are also hairy, which makes them less suitable for garnishing
[3].
A herb tea is made from the leaves
[2].
Material uses
An essential oil is obtained from the whole plant.
Rats and mice intensely dislike the smell of mint. The plant was therefore used in homes as a strewing herb and has also been spread in granaries to keep the rodents off the grain
[4].
Round leafed mint, like many other members of this genus, is often used as a domestic herbal remedy, being valued especially for its antiseptic properties and its beneficial effect on the digestion. Like other members of the genus, it is best not used by pregnant women because large doses can cause an abortion. A tea made from the leaves of most mint species has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and various minor ailments
[5]. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be dried for later use
[3].
The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large doses
[5].
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Mentha species are very prone to hybridisation and so the seed cannot be relied on to breed true. Even without hybridisation, seedlings will not be uniform and so the content of medicinal oils etc will vary. When growing plants with a particular aroma it is best to propagate them by division[K].
Division can be easily carried out at almost any time of the year, though it is probably best done in the spring or autumn to allow the plant to establish more quickly. Virtually any part of the root is capable of growing into a new plant. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. However, for maximum increase it is possible to divide the roots up into sections no more than 3cm long and pot these up in light shade in a cold frame. They will quickly become established and can be planted out in the summer.
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Mentha suaveolens. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils and situations so long as the soil is not too dry
[6][7]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A sunny position is best for production of essential oils, but plants also succeed in partial shade.
Often cultivated as a pot herb[1]. There are some named varieties[7]. The flowers have a sickly sweet smell[1].
A very invasive plant, spreading freely at the roots[7]. Unless you have the space to let it roam, it needs to be restrained by some means such as planting it in a container that is buried in the soil[K]. It is said to be a good companion for cabbages and tomatoes, its aromatic leaves repelling insect pests, though its aggressive root system also needs to be taken into account here.
The whole plant has a mint-like aroma.
The flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies.
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[8].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Mentha suaveolens. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Mentha suaveolens.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Mentha suaveolens
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Uses
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
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"image:Mentha suaveolens - Hallier.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
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"image:Mentha suaveolens - Hallier.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mentha suaveolens - Hallier.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mentha suaveolens - Hallier.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Mentha suaveolens - Hallier.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mentha suaveolens - Hallier.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mentha suaveolens - Hallier.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mentha suaveolens - Hallier.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
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References
-
? 1.01.11.21.31.4 ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)
-
? 2.02.12.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
-
? 3.03.13.23.3 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
-
? 4.04.1 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
-
? 5.05.15.2 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
-
? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
-
? 7.07.17.27.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
-
? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
-
? Davis. P. H. Flora of Turkey. Edinburgh University Press (1965-00-00)
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