River mint
Mentha australis

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It has a strong smell. It grows 30-80 cm high and spreads 30-150 cm wide. The stems are square and can be hairy and purplish. The leaves are 2-5 cm long by 0.4-1.5 cm wide. They are opposite and sword shaped. They are usually hairy. They are green and the edges are entire. The tip is pointed. The flowers are small and white or lilac. They have very short stalks. They occur in clusters of 3-16 in rings in the axils of the upper leaves. They have a sweet scent. The fruit are small.

There are 25 Mentha species. This one is used in medicine, including to induce abortions.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in moist and flooded sites. It can grow in sunny or shady positions. It can tolerate frosts.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The leaves, fresh or dried, are used as a seasoning. It is the source of an essential oil.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed, cuttings or division of the clump. Plants can be pruned back to ground level.

Its other names

Local names

Australian Mint, Native Mint, Native Pepper mint, Poang-gurk

Synonyms

Mentha saturioides;