Purple Mint-bush, Oval leafed mint bush
Prostanthera ovalifolia
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
A dense shrub. It can be 2-4 m tall. It can spread 1.2-3 m wide. The leaves are narrowly sword shaped. They are 4 cm long by 1 cm wide. The edges can have teeth. The leaves have a strong smell. The flowers are purple and 1 cm long. They are in short crowded clusters.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. It can grow in the subtropics. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It grows on the coast as well as inland. It can stand light frost. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
The leaves have a mint flavour and are used to flavour jams and jellies.
Edible parts
Leaves - flavouring