Mentha australis
River or Australian Mint
Soft, spreading to erect, often suckering, perennial herb with hairy or hairless, purple-tinged square stems.
Additional information
- FamilyLamiaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.2-0.8 m x 0.3-1 m
- Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
- LeavesPairs of mid to dark green aromatic, lance-shaped to ovate leaves with pointed tips and serrated margins, 12-60 mm x 8-20 mm, hairless or shortly hairy especially below.
- Flower colourWhite, pink
- Flowering timeSeptember to March
- FlowersDense clusters of 3-12 flowers on short stalks in the axils of upper leaves. Calyx densely hairy.
- Bird attractingInsects
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist to wet soils on edges of watercourses and swamps. Frost tolerant. Full sun to full shade.
- Garden useAn aromatic plant for moist areas, beside pools and planted amongst ferns.
- Commercially availableSpecialist Australian plant nursery
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use Leaves - food, medicines
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 2, 3 Peter Kinchington ©
Plant Communities