Apple mint facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Apple mint |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Mentha
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| Species: |
suaveolens
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Mentha suaveolens, often called apple mint, pineapple mint, woolly mint, or round-leafed mint, is a plant that belongs to the mint family, called Lamiaceae. This plant naturally grows in southern and western Europe, including the Mediterranean region. It is a herbaceous plant, which means it has soft stems instead of woody ones. It's also a perennial plant, so it grows back every year. People often grow apple mint as a cooking herb or to cover the ground in gardens.
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What Apple Mint Looks Like
Apple mint plants usually grow about 40 to 100 centimeters (about 1.3 to 3.3 feet) tall. They spread out using special underground stems called stolons. These stolons help the plant create new plants nearby, forming a group that is all connected.
The leaves are light green and have a wrinkled look. They are shaped like an oval, about 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) long and 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.6 inches) wide. The leaves feel a bit hairy on top and soft underneath, with jagged edges.
Apple mint flowers grow in tall spikes at the top of the plant. These spikes are about 4 to 9 cm (1.6 to 3.5 inches) long. The flowers are white or light pink. Apple mint blooms in the middle to late part of summer. The whole plant smells very nice, with a fresh, fruity, and minty scent.
Where Apple Mint Grows
Apple mint is originally from southern and western Europe. It has also started growing naturally in central and northern parts of Europe. You can often find this plant in places that are damp or wet.
Growing and Using Apple Mint
Apple mint is a pretty plant that people often use for decoration in gardens. It is strong and easy to grow. It likes to be in full sun or in places with a little bit of shade.
The leaves of apple mint can be used in many ways:
- You can make apple mint jelly with them.
- They add flavor to dishes like apple mint couscous.
- It is often used to make a refreshing mint tea.
- People use it as a garnish to decorate food.
- It can be added to salads for a fresh taste.
Pineapple mint is a special type of apple mint called a cultivar. Its leaves have white stripes. Another plant called grapefruit mint is a hybrid that comes from apple mint.
For thousands of years, people in many parts of the world, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, have used apple mint for traditional health purposes.
Images for kids
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Apple mint.
See also
In Spanish: Mentha suaveolens para niños
