Family: Lamiaceae
Author: (Host) Merino
Bibliography: Fl. Galicia 2: 199 (1906)
Year: 1906
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Clinopodium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Macaronesia, Europe, Medit.
Description
Calamint, scientifically known as Clinopodium menthifolium, is a perennial herbaceous plant valued both for its delicate beauty and its versatile applications. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which is renowned for encompassing a wide variety of aromatic and medicinal plants.
Originally documented in “Flora of Galicia” in 1906 by the botanist Merino, Calamint boasts a rich history of botanical interest. Its natural habitat extends across diverse regions, including Macaronesia, Europe, and the Mediterranean basin, showcasing its adaptability to different climatic conditions.
The plant is characterized by its small, lavender or pink flowers, which bloom from late spring to early fall. These blossoms are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making Calamint a valuable addition to ecological gardens.
Calamint thrives in well-drained soils with moderate moisture levels, preferring sunny or partially shaded locations. Its leaves, which emit a pleasant, minty aroma when crushed, have a history of culinary and medicinal use. They can be employed as a flavorful herb in cooking, much like other members of the mint family, and have been traditionally utilized in herbal medicine to alleviate digestive issues and respiratory ailments.
In landscaping, Calamint serves as an excellent ground cover or border plant due to its dense growth and compact form. Its resilience and low maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Overall, Clinopodium menthifolium is a plant that combines aesthetic appeal with practical benefits, making it a cherished addition to gardens and natural habitats across its native and introduced ranges.
Common Names
En: Calamint, Wood calamint, Woodland calamint, Wood savory
Nl: Bergsteentijm
Fr: Sarriette des bois, Calament des bois, Calament à feuilles de menthe, Sarriette à feuilles de menthe
De: Aufsteigende Bergminze, Wald-Bergminze
It: Calamenta, Mentuccio maggiore
Gv: Calamynthey
Sv: Rosa stenkyndel
Cy: Brenhinllys y coed, Erbin y Coed
Synonyms
- Calamintha menthifolia (Host)
- Calamintha montana subsp. menthifolia ((Host) Dostál)
- Calamintha officinalis f. menthifolia ((Host) Hayek)
- Satureja menthifolia ((Host) Fritsch)
- Satureja calamintha subsp. menthifolia ((Host) Gams)
- Calamintha officinalis subsp. menthifolia ((Host) Arcang.)
- Calamintha officinalis var. menthifolia ((Host) Rchb.f.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Austria (native)
- Azores (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Corse (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Italy (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Madeira (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Altay (introduced)
- Belgium (introduced)
- British Columbia (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 18, 2011 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2011 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Andy Radnor (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Andy Radnor (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Andy Radnor (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)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/11007246)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:946917-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clinopodium menthifolium (Host) Stace)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3883897)
