Corsican mint facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corsican mint |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Mentha
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| Species: |
requienii
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Corsican mint (scientific name: Mentha requienii) is a tiny plant that belongs to the mint family. It's a type of herb that naturally grows on the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Montecristo. You can also find it growing wild in Portugal and the British Isles. This mint is very small, has bright green leaves, and smells strongly of mint.
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What is Corsican Mint?
Corsican mint is one of the smallest plants in the mint family. It usually grows only about 3 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) tall. Its leaves are tiny, just 2 to 7 millimeters long. In July and August, it grows small purple flowers that are pollinated by insects. This plant has a very strong smell, much like peppermint.
Where Does it Grow?
This special mint originally comes from the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Montecristo. However, it has started growing in other parts of the world too. In some places, like the southeastern United States, it is considered an invasive species. This means it can spread easily and sometimes take over areas where other plants grow.
Corsican Mint in Your Garden
Corsican mint is a great plant to use in gardens, especially as a ground cover. It releases a lovely minty smell when you walk on it! Because it can handle being stepped on, people sometimes plant it between stepping stones in walkways. Unlike many other mint plants, Corsican mint stays small. It also grows well in shady spots in the garden.
However, it's important not to give it too much water, as its leaves can rot. The best way to care for it is to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. But don't let it get too dry, because it doesn't like droughts. If Corsican mint is too delicate for a certain area, a plant called Baby's tears can be used instead.
Helping Other Plants Grow
Corsican mint is also known as a good companion plant. This means it can help other plants grow better when planted nearby. For example, it's often planted with brassica plants like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. It helps keep certain insect pests away. It does this partly by hiding the smell of the main crop, making it harder for pests to find. It might even make the vegetables taste better!
Using Corsican Mint in the Kitchen
This mint isn't just for gardens; it's also used in cooking! Its most famous use is as the flavor in a green liqueur called crème de menthe. Some people say its smell is similar to another type of mint called pennyroyal.
Other Uses for Corsican Mint
In old traditional medicine, Corsican mint was used for different purposes. It was thought to be an antiseptic, which helps stop germs. It was also used as a carminative, to help with gas, and as a febrifuge, to help reduce fevers. The strong smell of mint is disliked by rats and mice. Because of this, people sometimes spread the plant on floors to keep rodents away.
