The current circumscription of Mentha satureioides and Mentha diemenica represents the extremes of what appears to be a morphological continuum and is sometimes called the Mentha satureioides group[].

Common Name: Slender Mint

General Information

Mentha diemenica is a low-growing, perennial plant growing from a spreading, rhizomatous rootstock. It forms a mat of growth, with prostrate to ascending stems around 10cm tall[]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

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.

Botanical References

Range

Australia - Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland

Habitat

Moist, usually sunny situations up to the montane zone[]. Open forests and grasslands, usually on sandy soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Mentha diemenica is not a very hardy plant. It can tolerate short periods with temperatures down to at least -7°c[]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Mentha species generally succeed in most soils and situations so long as the soil is not too dry[, , ]. A sunny position is best for production of essential oils, but mint species will usually also succeed in partial shade.
The plants can tolerate occasional trampling[].
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[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
The whole plant has a mint-like aroma.
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a flavouring in summer drinks[].

A herb tea is made from the leaves[].

Medicinal

The leaves and flowering stems are carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and stomachic[]. 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 is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large 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

An essential oil is obtained from the whole plant. The plant is used as a strewing herb for repelling insects[]. 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[].

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.