Mentha requienii

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Corsican mint
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Lamiales Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Mentha Species: M. requienii
Binomial name
Mentha requienii Bentham

Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) is a herb and species of mint, native to Corsica, Sardinia, France, and mainland Italy. It grows to 3-10 cm tall, with small leaves 2-7 mm long.

M requienii can be used in landscaping as a bedding plant, giving out a desirable mint smell when trod upon. Because it can indeed be walked upon without dying, it is sometimes used to line walkways, growing between stepping stones. Unlike most other cultivated mints, this plant stays diminutive and thrives in shady garden areas. However, if given too much moisture the leaves will rot. The best way to avoid this is to let the plant dry out between waterings, but not too much, because it is drought-sensitive. Baby's tears is used as a substitute in areas where Corsican mint is too fragile.

This plant is also used in cuisine, most famously as the flavoring in crème de menthe^[1]. It is sometimes said to have a scent similar to pennyroyal.

Corsican mint, along with pennyroyal, is thought to be one of the best mints to grow as a companion to brassica plants like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, et cetera. It repels certain pest insects, in part by obscuring the smell of the crop to be protected, and may also enhance flavor.

See also: List of companion plants

[edit] References

1. ^ Quattrocchi, Umberto (1947-). CRC World dictionary of plant names: Common names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Sonyonyms, and Etymology III M-Q. CRC Press, 1659.