Back
Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata'
| Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
| Common Name: | Pineapple Mint, Variegated Pineapple Mint |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
|---|---|
| Maximum Height | 0.3 m to 0.5 m |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Herbaceous perennial with a spreading growth habit. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Variegated leaves are mostly green with whitish to yellowish edges. Opposite leaves are ovate with an irrregular toothed leaf margin. Densely hairy leaves are deeply veined and lack petioles. Crushed leaves emit a light, pineapple-like aroma. |
| Flowers | Small bell-shaped flowers are densely arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. |
| Cultivation | This cultivar is easy-to-grow. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to slight alkaline (pH = 6.1 - 7.8). It grows aggressively, so place pottted plants in the ground to restrain excessive growth. Allow 0.3 to 0.4 m of spacing between individuals. Remove branches with solid green leaves to maintain the variegated leaf pattern. This cultivar is susceptible to rust, leaf spot, powdery mildew and the fungal disease anthracnose. Propagate by stem cuttings or division. |
| Etymology | The genus name “Mentha” come from a Greek legend about a nymph named “Mintha” who was loved by Pluto. Jealous Persephone transformed Mintha into a mint plant. Pluto was unable to help Mintha, but he gave her a sweet fragrance. The species epithet "suaveolens" is Latin for having a sweet ("suavis") fragrance ("olens"). |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves Food (Herb or Spice): The leaves are used to add flavor to desserts and salads or brewed as tea. Fresh, young leaves provide maximum flavor and fragrance, but dried leaves can also be used for convenience. Others: The leaves are sometimes added to potpourri for their fruity fragrance. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Flowerbed / Border, Groundcover, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Division |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Green, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute, Raised / Sunken Veins |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White, Pink |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30711 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5024 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
