Mentha x piperita

Peppermint at Tennent, ACT

Mentha x piperita at Tennent, ACT - 11 Jan 2016
Mentha x piperita at Tennent, ACT - 11 Jan 2016
Mentha x piperita at Tennent, ACT - 11 Jan 2016
Mentha x piperita at Tennent, ACT - 11 Jan 2016
Mentha x piperita at Tennent, ACT - 11 Jan 2016
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Identification history

Mentha x piperita 16 Apr 2016 BettyDonWood
Unidentified 13 Apr 2016 MichaelBedingfield

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User's notes

On the slopes to the west of the Murrumbidgee River, in an intermittent creek.

8 comments

BettyDonWood wrote:
   13 Apr 2016
I am not 100%sure of this ID but am pretty sure it is not Mentha. Both Plantnet and Vicflora state that the flowers are white. These are pale mauve. Lycopus differs from Mentha in that two of the four stamens do not prodice pollen (staminodes) and that the leaves are stiff, with acutely pointed teeth on the edges.
   14 Apr 2016
Hi Betty.
Are the leaves of Lycopus australis fragrant as in Mentha species?
BettyDonWood wrote:
   14 Apr 2016
Most likely. Vicflora states that the lower surface of the leaves is gland dotted. The family of Lycopus (Lamiaceae) is usually aromatic, according to Plantnet.
   16 Apr 2016
Hi Betty.
Would you consider Mentha x piperita. I've Googled and looked at the photos. The leaves are quite variable in this species.
See this example which seems very similar:
http://www.gaertnerei-bender.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=119&Itemid=62
It has also been found nearby.
BettyDonWood wrote:
   17 Apr 2016
I am more concerned about the number of stamens. Do you have a high resolution photo that can blow up a flower to check the number of stamens producing pollen?
BettyDonWood wrote:
   17 Apr 2016
Plantnet states that the leaves in Lycopus australis arevstiff, the teeth on the edges with sharp points. Were the leaves soft? In which case I would agree with Mentha x piperita, which was my first impression. I am also concerned about the number of stamens. Do you have a high resolution photo that can blow up a flower to check the number of stamens producing pollen?
   17 Apr 2016
Extra photo added.
The photos were taken in January so it is hard to remember much. I don't remember testing the fragrance. I didn't test the stiffness of the leaves.
   17 Apr 2016
Thanks Betty.
I remember the occasion now. I had to take the photos from a few yards away because the plant was growing in the middle of a boggy stream.

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  • True In flower
  • 30cm to 1 metre Plant height

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