A fertile diploid hybrid of Mentha longifolia (L.) L. and Mentha suaveolens Ehrh., it is often misinterpreted as Mentha × villosa Huds. or Mentha suaveolens Ehrh.[].

Common Name: False Applemint

General Information

Mentha × rotundifolia is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a spreading, rhizomatous rootstock. It produces a cluster of stems
The plant is sometimes cultivated on a garden scale for its leaves which are used as a flavouring. and as a domesic herbal remedy for minor complaints such as stomach upsets.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Europe - Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, Spain; Asia - (Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kirgizstan, Altay; N. Africa - Morocco

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Mint species generally succeed in most soils and situations so long as the soil is not too dry, preferring slightly acid conditions[, , ]. They usually grow well in heavy clay soils. Essential oil production is best when the plant is in a sunny position, though the plants also succeed in partial shade.
False apple mint is a rare garden plant in western and central Europe; in Great Britain it is also an established garden escape[].
Mentha species are very prone to hybridisation and so the seed cannot be relied on to breed true. Even without hybridisation, seedlings will often 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[].
Most mints have fairly aggressive spreading roots and, unless you have the space to let them roam, they need to be restrained by some means such as planting them in containers that are buried in the soil[].
This is a morphologically variable plant[].

Edible Uses

Used as pot herb and for herbal tea[].

Medicinal

A 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 of mints is antiseptic, though it can be toxic in larger doses[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Mint species are usually good bee and butterfly attractant plants, supplying them with good quality pollen and nectar[]
Mints are usually quite aromatic plants and they make good companions for cabbages and tomatoes, their aromatic nature helping to repel insect pests..

Other Uses

Rats and mice intensely dislike the smell of mint. Members of the genus have therefore often been used in homes as strewing herbs and have also been spread in granaries to keep rodents off the stored grain[].

Propagation

Seed -