Comb bushmint (Mesosphaerum pectinatum, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 525 (1891))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: (L.) Kuntze

Bibliography: Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 525 (1891)

Year: 1891

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Mesosphaerum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Comb bushmint, scientifically known as Mesosphaerum pectinatum, is a distinctive and fascinating member of the Lamiaceae family, a group renowned for its aromatic properties and significance in various ecological systems. This plant boasts a widespread distribution, ranging from Mexico down through Tropical America, where it thrives in the warm, humid climates.

First formally described in the “Revision of Genera Plantarum” in 1891 by the botanist Carl Ernst Otto Kuntze, who credited the initial classification by Linnaeus (hence the author citation as (L.) Kuntze), Mesosphaerum pectinatum holds a notable position in botanical literature. Kuntze’s work was pivotal in refining the taxonomic classifications that are still referenced by botanists and plant enthusiasts today.

Comb bushmint is characterized by its intricate inflorescence, bearing tiny flowers that are densely packed along the stem, much like a comb—an attribute that inspired its common name. The flowers typically harbor a vibrant palette of colors, which not only make this plant visually striking but also play a crucial role in attracting pollinators, essential for the propagation of various flora.

Ecologically, Mesosphaerum pectinatum contributes significantly to its native habitats. It provides nectar for a plethora of insects and serves as a food source for several herbivores. Moreover, its presence underlines the complex interrelationships within its ecosystem, shedding light on the interconnected nature of tropical flora and fauna.

In the horticultural sphere, Comb bushmint is appreciated for its decorative appeal and ability to thrive in tropical garden settings. Its resilience and adaptability to various soil types make it a versatile choice for gardeners seeking to incorporate a touch of the tropics into their landscapes.

Overall, Mesosphaerum pectinatum, or Comb bushmint, is a remarkable plant that underscores the diversity and vitality of the tropics. Its robust presence from Mexico to Tropical America highlights its adaptability and ecological relevance, securing its place as a subject of continued interest and study in the field of botany.

Common Names

En: Comb bushmint, Greasy bush, Comb hyptis, Mint weed, Purple top, Holly Stalk
Fr: Baume camphré, Guéit tout, Herbe à malingres, Fausse menthe, Hyptide pectiné, Radié arada
Es: Alhucema, Nigua
Por: betônica, hortelã-gigante
Eng: comb hyptis

Synonyms

• Hyptis pectinata ((L.) Poit.)
• Nepeta persica (Poit. ex Benth.)
• Brotera persica (Spreng.)
• Hyptis nepetoides (Fisch. ex Schrank)
• Bystropogon pectinatus ((L.) L’Hér.)
• Bystropogon coarctatus (Thonn. & Schumach.)
• Ballota parviflora (Sessé & Moc.)
• Hyptis persica ((Spreng.) Poit.)
• Ballota suaveolens (Rodschied)
• Nepeta pectinata (L.)
• Pogostemon perilloides ((L.) Mansf.)
• Clinopodium imbricatum (Vell.)

Distribution

• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Botswana (introduced)
• Burundi (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Central African Repu (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Congo (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Eritrea (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Ivory Coast (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Malawi (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Rwanda (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Togo (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Augustin Soulard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2020 by Flavie LARBRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Augustin Soulard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-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.

© 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:158242-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hyptis pectinata (L.) Poit.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926820)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3889976)

Specifications

Growth