Rough mint-bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rough mint-bush |
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| Near Castlemaine | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Prostanthera
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| Species: |
denticulata
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
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The Rough mint-bush (scientific name: Prostanthera denticulata) is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes mint! This plant is special because it only grows naturally in south-eastern Australia. It's a type of shrub that spreads out low to the ground and has a lovely minty smell. You can spot it by its narrow, egg-shaped leaves and its pretty purple or mauve flowers. These flowers grow along the stems or at the tips of the branches.
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What the Rough Mint-Bush Looks Like
The Rough mint-bush is a shrub that often spreads out, sometimes even growing flat along the ground. It has a nice, strong scent, like mint. This plant usually grows up to about 1 meter (3 feet) tall and can spread out to 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide. Its small branches have tiny, flat hairs on them.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the Rough mint-bush are shaped like narrow eggs. They are usually between 4 and 10 millimeters (about 0.16 to 0.4 inches) long and 2 to 3 millimeters (about 0.08 to 0.12 inches) wide. Each leaf sits on a very short stem called a petiole, which is only about 0.5 to 1 millimeter long.
The flowers grow where the leaves meet the stem, especially near the ends of the branches. At the base of each flower, there are tiny leaf-like parts called bracteoles, which are about 1 to 1.5 millimeters long. The green outer parts of the flower, called sepals, are 3.5 to 5 millimeters long. They form a small tube about 2 to 2.5 millimeters long, with two small tips on top. The colorful parts of the flower, called petals, are 7 to 10 millimeters long. They form a tube that is usually purple or mauve. You can see these lovely flowers blooming in spring and early summer.
How the Rough Mint-Bush Got Its Name
The Rough mint-bush was first officially described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown gave it its scientific name, Prostanthera denticulata. He wrote about it in his book, Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.
Where the Rough Mint-Bush Grows
You can find the Rough mint-bush growing in different types of natural areas. It likes shrubland, woodland, and forests. It grows in central Victoria and in New South Wales, mostly in areas near the coast.
