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Common Name: Mint Bush

General Information

Prostanthera rotundifolia is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

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

Habitat

Sheltered hillsides, usually in sylvan habitats[, ]. Sandy soils over sandstone on rainforest edges and sheltered spots in sclerophyll forest[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position in a well drained soil and does not thrive on shallow chalky soils[, ]. Prefers a humus-rich lime-free soil[].
This species only succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country[]. It is hardy to at least -7°c in Australian gardens[] though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer colder and wetter winters. It does succeed outdoors in various places in Cornwall[, ], though it is probably best on a wall even there[].
A short-lived plant, but it can be grafted onto the roots of Westringia fruticosa which allows it to be grown in less favourable conditions and also probably increases its life span[, ].
Plants are very tolerant of light trimming[], but dislike hard pruning[]. Any trimming is best carried out immediately after flowering[].
Both leaves and flowers have a minty aroma[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is rich in volatile oils, including menthol and cineole (as found in the mints, Mentha spp.)[]. The leaves are antibacterial, antifungal and carminative[, , ]. They are used externally in the treatment of colds and headaches[]. Presumably the leaves are infused in a bowl of hot water and the vapour inhaled[].

Other Uses

An essential oil obtained from the leaves is medicinal[]. The leaves yield up to 0.7% of the oil[].
The dried leaves are used in pot-pourri[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[].The seed usually germinates within a few weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for 2 - 3 years in normal storage[].
Cuttings of soft-wood in early summer in a frame. They root readily[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].