Family: Lamiaceae
Author: (L.) Huds.
Bibliography: Fl. Angl.: 221 (1762)
Year: 1762
Status: accepted
Rank: hybrid
Genus: Mentha
Vegetable: False
Observations: Macaronesia, NW. Africa, Europe to C. Asia
Description
Bigleaf mint, scientifically known as Mentha × rotundifolia, is a fascinating perennial herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Known for its prolific growth and aromatic leaves, this plant holds a unique position in both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens. Originating from a broad geographical range, bigleaf mint can be found in Macaronesia, Northwest Africa, and stretches across Europe to Central Asia.
One of the notable features of bigleaf mint is its robust, rounded foliage, which is not only visually appealing but also exudes a refreshing, minty fragrance. The leaves are typically broad and have a somewhat hairy texture, which is a distinctive characteristic that sets it apart from other members of the mint family. This attribute makes the plant not only a sensory delight but also useful in a variety of culinary applications, adding a fresh and vibrant flavor to dishes.
In terms of habitat, bigleaf mint thrives in various environments, showcasing its adaptability. Whether in the wild or cultivated settings, it prefers moist, well-drained soils and can flourish in both sunny and partially shaded areas. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a resilient yet striking plant to their herb collections.
Historically, bigleaf mint has been recognized in botanical literature, with one of the earliest references dating back to 1762 in the work “Fl. Angl.: 221” by Huds., where it was formally described. Since then, it has been acknowledged and studied for its various properties and uses.
In addition to its culinary uses, bigleaf mint is valued for its potential health benefits. Traditional herbal medicine often employs mint species for their soothing and digestive properties, making bigleaf mint a potential candidate for natural remedies.
Overall, Mentha × rotundifolia stands out not only for its delightful aroma and taste but also for its historical significance and adaptability across diverse regions. Whether you are an avid gardener, a culinary enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of aromatic herbs, bigleaf mint is a plant that promises to enhance and invigorate your green space and kitchen.
Common Names
En: Bigleaf mint, Mint, False apple mint
Nl: Wollige munt
De: Falsche Apfel-Minze
Sv: Äppelmynta
Synonyms
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. brachytricha (Briq.)
- Mentha sylvestris var. niliaca ((Jacq.) Nyman)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. rugosa (Wirtg.)
- Mentha × clandestina ((Wirtg.) Heinr.Braun)
- Mentha × rotundifolia f. genuina (Heinr.Braun)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. apodysa (Briq.)
- Mentha × villosa var. wirtgeniana (Rouy)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. psilostachya (Topitz)
- Mentha × rotundifolia f. rugosa (Pérard)
- Mentha × anglica (Déségl.)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. variegata (Gray)
- Mentha viridis var. cana (Lej. & Courtois)
- Mentha × rotundifolia f. clandestina ((Wirtg.) Pérard)
- Mentha nouletiana var. gallica (Briq.)
- Mentha × fragrans (C.Presl)
- Mentha × villosa f. burckhardtiana ((Opiz) Topitz)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. bella (Briq.)
- Mentha × burckhardtiana (Opiz)
- Mentha × niliaca var. melaneilema (Briq.)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. expallens (Briq.)
- Mentha × rotundifolia f. pachystachya (Topitz)
- Mentha × ambigua (Personnat)
- Mentha × rotundifolia f. cordifolia (Topitz)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. fragrans (Heinr.Braun)
- Mentha spicata var. rotundifolia (L.)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. microdonta (Briq.)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. semeiodes (Briq.)
- Mentha × niliaca (Jacq.)
- Mentha × rotundifolia f. exstans (Topitz)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. crematophylla (Topitz)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. clandestina (Wirtg.)
- Mentha × halleri (Dierb.)
- Mentha × niliaca var. lurida (Briq.)
- Mentha × microstachys (Timb.-Lagr. ex Heinr.Braun)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. segorbensis (Topitz)
- Mentha × rotundifolia f. thierseana (Topitz)
- Mentha × rotundifolia var. trevirani (Briq.)
- Mentha × rotundifolia f. ambigua (Pérard)
Distribution
- Altay (native)
- Belgium (native)
- France (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Spain (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkmenistan (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Argentina Northwest (introduced)
- Argentina South (introduced)
- Arizona (introduced)
- Bermuda (introduced)
- Brazil South (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Chile South (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Delaware (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Indiana (introduced)
- Kentucky (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Maine (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Mexico Central (introduced)
- Mexico Southwest (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Mississippi (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New Mexico (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
- South Carolina (introduced)
- Tennessee (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Uruguay (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- West Virginia (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Apr 25, 2022 by Agus Supriyanto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Fonseca Marcia Moreira (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Harrison Barclay (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Campos Pilar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Anouk Reinhard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:451079-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mentha × rotundifolia (L.) Huds.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8974899)