Difference between revisions of "Mentha" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | ''''' | + | In [[botany]], '''mint''' is the common name for any of the various [[herbaceous]] [[plant]]s comprising the genus '''''Mentha''''', a taxon of about 25 [[species]] of aromatic, almost exclusively perennial plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are characterized by wide-spreading underground [[rhizome]]s, and erect, square, branched stems, paired, oppositely arranged leaves, and small, tubular flowers arranged in clusters. While members of ''Mentha'' are known as the true mints, other plants in the mint family may contain the common name mint and the entire family is known as the mint family. |
| − | + | The mints are cultivated for an aromatic essential oil in their leaves and stems, which are used for flavoring, perfumes, and medicinal purposes. Peppermint (''Mentha piperita'') and spearmint (''Mentha spicata'') are two of the most important commercial species. | |
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
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'''Lamiaceae''', the [[flowering plant]] family to which mint (''Mentha'') belongs, has about 210 [[genus|genera]] and some 3,500 [[species]]. [[Lamiaceae]] plants are frequently aromatic in all parts and include many widely used culinary [[herb]]s in addition to basil, such as [[oregano]], [[rosemary]], [[Common sage|sage]], [[savory (herb)|savory]], [[marjoram]], [[basil]], [[thyme]], [[lavender]], and [[perilla]]. Many members of the family are widely cultivated, owing not only to their aromatic qualities but also their ease of cultivation: these plants are among the easiest plants to propagate by stem cuttings. Besides those grown for their edible leaves, some are grown for decorative foliage, such as [[coleus]] and snow-on-the-mountain. Others are grown for food purposes, but [[seed]]s are utilized instead of leaves, such as with [[chia]]. The [[Leaf|leaves]] emerge oppositely, each pair at right angles to the previous one (called ''decussate'') or whorled. The [[flower]]s are bilaterally symmetrical with 5 united [[petal]]s, 5 united [[sepal]]s. | '''Lamiaceae''', the [[flowering plant]] family to which mint (''Mentha'') belongs, has about 210 [[genus|genera]] and some 3,500 [[species]]. [[Lamiaceae]] plants are frequently aromatic in all parts and include many widely used culinary [[herb]]s in addition to basil, such as [[oregano]], [[rosemary]], [[Common sage|sage]], [[savory (herb)|savory]], [[marjoram]], [[basil]], [[thyme]], [[lavender]], and [[perilla]]. Many members of the family are widely cultivated, owing not only to their aromatic qualities but also their ease of cultivation: these plants are among the easiest plants to propagate by stem cuttings. Besides those grown for their edible leaves, some are grown for decorative foliage, such as [[coleus]] and snow-on-the-mountain. Others are grown for food purposes, but [[seed]]s are utilized instead of leaves, such as with [[chia]]. The [[Leaf|leaves]] emerge oppositely, each pair at right angles to the previous one (called ''decussate'') or whorled. The [[flower]]s are bilaterally symmetrical with 5 united [[petal]]s, 5 united [[sepal]]s. | ||
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| + | '''''Mentha'''' ('''mint''') is a [[genus]] of about 25 [[species]] (and many hundreds of [[Variety (botany)|varieties]]<ref name="OxfordCompanion">{{cite book |last=Davidson |first=Alan |authorlink=Alan_Davidson_%28food_writer%29 |title=The Oxford Companion to Food |year=1999 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=0-19-211579-0 |pages=508}}</ref>) of [[flowering plant]]s in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Lamiaceae]] (Mint Family). Species within Mentha have a [[cosmopolitan distribution|subcosmopolitan]] distribution across [[Europe]], [[Africa]], [[Asia]],<ref name="azEncycloPlants">{{cite book |last=Brickell |first=Christopher |authorlink=Christopher Brickell |coauthors=[[Judith D. Zuk|Zuk, Judith D.]] |title=The American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants |year=1997 |publisher=DK Publishing, Inc. |location=New York, NY, USA |isbn=0-7894-1943-2 |pages=668}}</ref> [[Australia]], and [[North America]]. Several mint [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]]s commonly occur. | ||
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| + | Mints are aromatic, almost exclusively [[perennial plant|perennial]], rarely [[annual plant|annual]], [[herb]]s. They have wide-spreading underground [[rhizome]]s and erect, branched stems. The [[leaf|leaves]] are arranged in opposite pairs, from simple [[leaf shape|oblong]] to [[leaf shape|lanceolate]], often downy, and with a serrated margin. Leaf colors range from dark green and gray-green to purple, blue and sometimes pale yellow.<ref name="azEncycloPlants"/> The [[flower]]s are produced in clusters ('verticils') on an erect spike, white to purple, the corolla two-lipped with four subequal lobes, the upper lobe usually the largest. The [[fruit]] is a small dry [[capsule (fruit)|capsule]] containing one to four [[seed]]s. | ||
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| + | While the species that make up the Mentha genus are widely distributed and can be found in many environments, many grow best in wet environments and moist soils. Mints will grow 10–120 cm tall and can spread over an indeterminate sized area. Due to the tendency to spread unchecked, mints are considered [[invasive plant|invasive]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Brickell |first=Christopher |authorlink=Christopher Brickell |coauthors=Trevor Cole |title=The American Horticultural Society: Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers |year=2002 |publisher=DK Publishing, Inc. |location=New York, NY, USA |isbn=0-7894-8993-7 |pages=605}}</ref> | ||
== Species == | == Species == | ||
Revision as of 01:29, 17 April 2008
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 Mentha longifolia
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See text |
In botany, mint is the common name for any of the various herbaceous plants comprising the genus Mentha, a taxon of about 25 species of aromatic, almost exclusively perennial plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are characterized by wide-spreading underground rhizomes, and erect, square, branched stems, paired, oppositely arranged leaves, and small, tubular flowers arranged in clusters. While members of Mentha are known as the true mints, other plants in the mint family may contain the common name mint and the entire family is known as the mint family.
The mints are cultivated for an aromatic essential oil in their leaves and stems, which are used for flavoring, perfumes, and medicinal purposes. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata) are two of the most important commercial species.
Description
Lamiaceae or Labiatae, also known as the Mint family,
Lamiaceae, the flowering plant family to which mint (Mentha) belongs, has about 210 genera and some 3,500 species. Lamiaceae plants are frequently aromatic in all parts and include many widely used culinary herbs in addition to basil, such as oregano, rosemary, sage, savory, marjoram, basil, thyme, lavender, and perilla. Many members of the family are widely cultivated, owing not only to their aromatic qualities but also their ease of cultivation: these plants are among the easiest plants to propagate by stem cuttings. Besides those grown for their edible leaves, some are grown for decorative foliage, such as coleus and snow-on-the-mountain. Others are grown for food purposes, but seeds are utilized instead of leaves, such as with chia. The leaves emerge oppositely, each pair at right angles to the previous one (called decussate) or whorled. The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical with 5 united petals, 5 united sepals.
Mentha' (mint) is a genus of about 25 species (and many hundreds of varieties[1]) of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae (Mint Family). Species within Mentha have a subcosmopolitan distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia,[2] Australia, and North America. Several mint hybrids commonly occur.
Mints are aromatic, almost exclusively perennial, rarely annual, herbs. They have wide-spreading underground rhizomes and erect, branched stems. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, from simple oblong to lanceolate, often downy, and with a serrated margin. Leaf colors range from dark green and gray-green to purple, blue and sometimes pale yellow.[2] The flowers are produced in clusters ('verticils') on an erect spike, white to purple, the corolla two-lipped with four subequal lobes, the upper lobe usually the largest. The fruit is a small dry capsule containing one to four seeds.
While the species that make up the Mentha genus are widely distributed and can be found in many environments, many grow best in wet environments and moist soils. Mints will grow 10–120 cm tall and can spread over an indeterminate sized area. Due to the tendency to spread unchecked, mints are considered invasive.[3]
Species
This covers a selection of what are considered to be pure species of mints. As with all classifications of plants, this list can go out of date at a moment's notice. Listed here are accepted species names and common names (where available). Synonyms, along with cultivars and varieties (where available), are listed under the species.
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Selected hybrids
The mint family has a large grouping of recognized hybrids. As with all classifications of plants, this list can go out of date at a moment's notice. Synonyms, along with cultivars and varieties where available, are included within the specific species.
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Cultivation
All mints prefer, and thrive, in cool, moist spots in partial shade.[4] In general, mints tolerate a wide range of conditions, and can also be grown in full sun.
They are fast growing, extending their reach along surfaces through a network of runners. Due to their speedy growth, one plant of each desired mint, along with a little care, will provide more than enough mint for home use. Some mint species are more invasive than others. Even with the less invasive mints, care should be taken when mixing any mint with any other plants, lest the mint take over. To control mints in an open environment, mints should be planted in deep, bottomless containers sunk in the ground, or planted above ground in tubs and barrels.[4]
Some mints can be propagated by seed. Growth from seed can be an unreliable method for raising mint for two reasons: mint seeds are highly variable, one might not end up with what one presupposed was planted[4]; some mint varieties are sterile. It is more effective to take and plant cuttings from the runners of healthy mints.
The most common and popular mints for cultivation are peppermint (Mentha × piperita), spearmint (Mentha spicata), and (more recently) pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens).
Mints are supposed to make good companion plants, repelling pest insects and attracting beneficial ones.
Harvesting of mint leaves can be done at anytime. Fresh mint leaves should be used immediately or stored up to a couple of days in plastic bags within a refrigerator. Optionally, mint can be frozen in ice cube trays. Dried mint leaves should be stored in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark, dry area.[5]
Uses
Culinary
The leaf, fresh or dried, is the culinary source of mint. Fresh mint is usually preferred over dried mint when storage of the mint is not a problem. The leaves have a pleasant warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavor with a cool aftertaste. Mint leaves are used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams. In Middle Eastern cuisine mint is used on lamb dishes. In British cuisine, mint sauce is popular with lamb.
Mint is a necessary ingredient in Touareg tea, a popular tea in northern African and Arab countries.
Alcoholic drinks sometimes feature flavor of mint, namely the Mint Julep and the Mojito. Crème de menthe is a mint-flavored liqueur used in drinks such as the grasshopper.
Mint essential oil and menthol are extensively used as flavorings in breath fresheners, drinks, antiseptic mouth rinses, toothpaste, chewing gum, desserts, and candies; see mint (candy) and mint chocolate. The substances that give the mints their characteristic aromas and flavors are menthol (the main aroma of Peppermint, and Japanese Peppermint) and pulegone (in Pennyroyal and Corsican Mint). The compound primarily responsible for the aroma and flavor of spearmint is L-carvone.
Methyl salicylate, commonly called "oil of wintergreen", is often used as a mint flavoring for foods and candies due to its mint-like flavor.
Mints are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Buff Ermine.
Medicinal and cosmetic
Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains. To cure stomach aches, put dried mint leaves in boiling water, then, when it cools drink it. This tea is called monstranzo. During the Middle Ages, powdered mint leaves were used to whiten teeth. Mint tea is a strong diuretic. Mint also aids digestion.
Menthol from mint essential oil (40-90%) is an ingredient of many cosmetics and some perfumes. Menthol and mint essential oil are also much used in medicine as a component of many drugs, and are very popular in aromatherapy.
A common use is as an antipruritic, especially in insect bite treatments (often along with camphor).
Menthol is also used in cigarettes as an additive, because it blocks out the bitter taste of tobacco and soothes the throat.[citation needed]
Many people also believe the strong, sharp flavor and scent of Mint can be used as a mild decongestant for illnesses such as the common cold.
In Rome, Pliny recommended that a wreath of mint was a good thing for students to wear since it was thought to "exhilarate their minds". Some modern research suggests that he was right.[citation needed]
Insecticides
Mint leaves are often used by many campers to repel mosquitoes. It is also said that extracts from mint leaves have a particular mosquito-killing capability.
Mint oil is also used as an environmentally-friendly insecticide for its ability to kill some common pests like wasps, hornets, ants and cockroaches.
Diseases
Origin and usage of the word mint
Mint descends from the Latin word mentha, which is rooted in the Greek word minthe, mentioned in Greek mythology as Minthe, a nymph who was transformed into a mint plant. The word itself probably derives from a now extinct pre-Greek language, see Pre-Greek substrate. [6]
Mint leaves, without a qualifier like peppermint or apple mint, generally refers to spearmint leaves.
In Central and South America, mint is known as hierbabuena (literally, "good herb"). In Lusophone countries, especially in Brazil, mint species are popularly known as "Hortelã". In the Hindi and Urdu languages it is called Pudeena.
The taxonomic family Lamiaceae is known as the mint family. It includes many other aromatic herbs, including most of the more common cooking herbs, including basil, rosemary, sage, oregano and catnip.
As an English colloquial term, mint stands for any small sugar confectionery item flavored to taste like the aforementioned plant.[1]
In common usage, several other plants with fragrant leaves may be erroneously called a mint. Vietnamese Mint, commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, is not a member of the mint family (taxonomic family Lamiaceae).
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Davidson, Alan (1999). The Oxford Companion to Food. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 508. ISBN 0-19-211579-0.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Brickell, Christopher and Zuk, Judith D. (1997). The American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. New York, NY, USA: DK Publishing, Inc., 668. ISBN 0-7894-1943-2.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher and Trevor Cole (2002). The American Horticultural Society: Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers. New York, NY, USA: DK Publishing, Inc., 605. ISBN 0-7894-8993-7.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Bradley, Fern (1992). Rodale's All-new Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening. Emmaus, Pennsylvania, USA: Rodale Press, 390. ISBN 0-87857-999-0.
- ↑ Ortiz, Elisabeth (1992). The Encyclopedia of Herbs, Spices & Flavorings. London: Dorling Kindersley, 36-37. ISBN 1-56458-065-2.
- ↑ Quattrocchi, Umberto (1947-). CRC World dictionary of plant names: Common names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Sonyonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press, 1658.
External links
- Herb teas and old remedies: Mentha (fr. with translator)
- Mentha/Mentha oil as a commodity traded in India
- Germplasm Resources Information Network: Mentha
- Flora Europaea: Mentha
- Flora of China: Mentha
- Medicinal use of mint in Armenia
- United States Department of Agriculture (Online Reference)
- Botanical.com entry on Mint
- Plants For a Future: Mentha genus search page
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