Mentha x piperita

Peppermint at Tennent, ACT

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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.

MichaelBedingfield wrote:

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.

MichaelBedingfield wrote:

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?

MichaelBedingfield wrote:

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.

MichaelBedingfield wrote:

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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