Mentha arvensis

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iMentha arvensis

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Mentha
Species: M. arvensis
Binomial name
Mentha arvensis
L.

Mentha arvensis is a species of mint native to most of Europe and Asia. It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 10-60 cm (rarely to 100 cm) tall. The leaves are in opposite pairs, simple, 2-6.5 cm long and 1-2 cm broad, hairy, and with a coarsely serrated margin. The flowers are pale purple (occasionally white or pink), in clusters on the stem, each flower 3-4 mm long.

There are two varieties:

  • Mentha arvensis var. arvensis (Corn Mint or Wild Mint). Europe, western Asia.
  • Mentha arvensis var. piperascens (Japanese Peppermint). Eastern Asia.
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