Mentha aquatica

Mentha aquatica, commonly known as water mint or brook mint, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

Characteristics

Mentha aquatica grows as a multi-year-old grass, typically reaching heights of 30 to 100 cm. The root system is aromatic, with square, transparent, simple or compound leaves that are usually 2 to 5.5 cm long. The leaves have short petioles and bear aromatic oils, which give the plant its distinctive fragrance.

The flowers of Mentha aquatica are arranged in a terminal spike, forming a ball or semi-ball inflorescence. Each flower is an egg-shaped or rounded structure with a rounded base and an enlarged apex. The corolla is dipped, slightly fixed, and has two white stripes on either side.

Distribution

Mentha aquatica is widely distributed across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It can be found in eastern and north Africa, the Macaronesian islands, and from east to west in Europe and Asia. The plant is reported to be present in all European countries except for some regions.

Habitat

Mentha aquatica thrives in wet environments, including waterways, streams, and rivers. It can also grow on land, forming underground and above-ground stolons. The plant's ability to adapt to different habitats makes it a common sight in various parts of its range.

Synonyms

The plant is sometimes referred to as brook mint or fish mint due to its aquatic habits. In Israel, Mentha aquatica is known as "The water shook" (Hebrew: , Ha-mayim ha-shaker), one of three types of plant rods in the country.

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