Spiked mint-bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spiked mint-bush |
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| In Deua National Park | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Prostanthera
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| Species: |
phylicifolia
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The spiked mint-bush (scientific name: Prostanthera phylicifolia) is a type of plant. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes mint plants. This plant is a shrub that grows upright. It has branches with four ridges and leaves that are shaped like narrow eggs or ovals. Its flowers are white or light purple, with purple and yellow spots inside.
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About the Spiked Mint-Bush
The spiked mint-bush is a shrub that grows upright. It can be compact or spread out. It usually reaches a height of 0.5 to 2 meters (about 1.5 to 6.5 feet). Its branches have four ridges and a slight minty smell.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves are narrow and shaped like eggs or ovals. They are about 5 to 15 millimeters (0.2 to 0.6 inches) long. They are also 1.5 to 4 millimeters (0.06 to 0.16 inches) wide. Each leaf has a very short stem, less than 1 millimeter long.
The flowers grow near the ends of the branches. Small leaf-like parts, called bracteoles, are found at the base of the flowers. These are about 2.5 millimeters long. The sepals, which protect the flower bud, are 4 to 5 millimeters long. They form a tube that is 2 to 3 millimeters long. The upper part of the sepal tube is 2 to 4 millimeters long.
The petals of the flowers are 12 to 15 millimeters (0.5 to 0.6 inches) long. They can be white or a pale lilac (light purple) color. Inside the flower's tube, there are purple spots. The lower part of the flower has yellow spots.
How It Was Named
The spiked mint-bush was first officially described in 1858. This was done by Ferdinand von Mueller, who was a government botanist in Victoria, Australia. He wrote about it in his book called Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae.
Where It Grows
This plant grows in the wild in certain parts of Australia. You can find it on hillsides and rocky areas made of granite. It grows in heathlands and woodlands. These areas are in south-eastern New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and north-eastern Victoria.
A similar plant, Prostanthera sp. 'Minyon Falls', found in Queensland, is also considered to be P. phylicifolia.
Using Spiked Mint-Bush in Gardens
Some types of spiked mint-bush are grown in gardens. These are special kinds called 'Poorinda Snow Queen' and 'Poorinda Ballerina'. They are a mix of P. lasianthos and P. phylicifolia. These mixed types are popular for planting in home gardens.
