Mentha ×piperita

Mentha × piperita, also known as peppermint, is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). It is native to Europe and the Middle East but is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world. It is occasionally found in the wild with its parent species.

Description

Mentha × piperita is a perennial, rhizomatous plant growing to 30–90 cm tall, with smooth stems, square in cross section. The leaves are dark green with reddish veins, and they have an acute apex and coarsely toothed margins. The leaves and stems are usually slightly fuzzy. The flowers are purple, 6–8 mm long, with a four-lobed corolla about 5 mm diameter; they are produced in whorls (verticillasters) around the stem, forming thick, blunt spikes.

Cultivation and uses

Mentha × piperita is cultivated for its essential oil, which is used in a variety of commercial products. The oil also has a number of therapeutic uses. It is used in aromatherapy for its soothing effect on the skin and is believed to have antimicrobial properties. The leaves and oil are used in traditional medicine for their carminative, stimulant, and antispasmodic properties.

In culinary applications, Mentha × piperita is used in a wide range of dishes and beverages, including teas, jellies, candies, and liqueurs. It is also used as a flavoring in toothpaste and chewing gum.

Taxonomy

The hybridization of Mentha × piperita was first described by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. The plant is a sterile hybrid, meaning it does not produce seeds and reproduces vegetatively. The '×' in the name indicates that it is a hybrid.

See also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of companion plants
• Herbalism
• Phytotherapy