Mentha requienii
Benth.
Corsican Mint, Mint
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(c) David Eickhoff, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Description
Mentha requienii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Tea. Leaves - raw or cooked. A very strong peppermint-like aroma, it is used as a flavouring in salads, cooked foods and liqueurs. A herb tea is made from the leaves.
Medicinal Uses
Antiseptic Carminative FebrifugeA tea made from the leaves of most mint species has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and various minor ailments. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be dried for later use. The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large doses.
Known Hazards
Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, large quantities of some members of this genus, especially when taken in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so some caution is advised.
Distribution
Europe - Mediterranean in Corsica, Sardinia and Italy. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.
Where It Grows
EUROPE: Corse, Italy, Sardegna,
Cultivation
Mint species are generally self-fertile. Reaching only 1-3 cm in height. Succeeds in most soils and situations so long as the soil is not too dry. This species of mint will grow in drier soils than the other mints. It also grows well in heavy clay soils. A sunny position is best for production of essential oils, but it also succeeds in partial shade. Prefers a shady position. Fairly tolerant of being walked on, it grows well in the cracks of paving stones and also as a lawn with thyme and camomile. This species is not hardy in all areas of Britain. However, the plant usually self-sows even when the parent plant is killed by frost. The whole plant is strongly aromatic with a peppermint aroma. The flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies. A good companion plant for growing near cabbages and tomatoes, helping to keep them free of insect pests. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. A clumping mat former. Forming a dense prostrate carpet with a limited spread. Mint leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season, from spring to autumn, but they are best harvested just before flowering for optimal flavor. Mint typically flowers from late spring to early summer. Mint is a fast-growing plant, often establishing itself quickly and spreading aggressively, making it suitable for quick ground cover in gardens.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Mentha species are very prone to hybridisation and so the seed cannot be relied on to breed true. Even without hybridisation, seedlings will not be uniform and so the content of medicinal oils etc will vary. When growing plants with a particular aroma it is best to propagate them by division. Division can be easily carried out at almost any time of the year, though it is probably best done in the spring or autumn to allow the plant to establish more quickly. Virtually any part of the root is capable of growing into a new plant. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. However, for maximum increase it is possible to divide the roots up into sections no more than 3cm long and pot these up in light shade in a cold frame. They will quickly become established and can be planted out in the summer.
Other Uses
Essential Repellent Strewing Agroforestry uses: Mint can be used as a ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion. Its strong aroma can also help deter pests. An essential oil with a strong peppermint scent is obtained from the whole plant. Rats and mice intensely dislike the smell of mint. The plant was, therefore, used in homes as a strewing herb and has also been spread in granaries to keep the rodents off the grain. An ornamental ground cover plant.
