Peppermint is possibly among the most popular herbaceous plants. It is not surprising because its unmistakable fragrance is essential for many drinks, sweets, and dishes.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita, also called Mentha balsamea) is a hybrid mint, a cross of spearmint and watermint. Native to the Middle East and Europe, the plant is now widespread and grown in many parts of the world.
Mint belongs to the Lamiaceae (mint) family. The mint genus (Mentha) includes some thirty known species.[1]
Peppermint is a hardy, herbaceous perennial shrub that can grow to a height of between 10 and 40 inches (25 and 100 cm).
Depending on the variety, Peppermint leaves can be dark green to light green. The shape of the leaf is typically oblong to oval with slightly serrated edges. Most of the leaf veins are striking purple.
The axis of the stem is usually hairy and usually highly branched. Peppermint flowers can be purple, pink, and sometimes white.
The showy lip-shaped flowers are in pseudo-spikes. The flowering period is between the beginning of June and the beginning of September.
