River Mint

~ Mentha australis ~

LAMIACEAE

Bring this Native Mint into your herb garden or patio pots to use the leaves in teas, salads, cocktails, jelly ... anything that calls for a spearmint flavour. It can completely replace its introduced cousin, the common mint (Mentha piperita). River Mint’s bloom will also bring all the bees and helpful insects into your garden.

WHERE TO LOOK

You’ll find this rambling herb around inland rivers, bogs, lakes, wet forests and other damp and shady places – it loves a moist plot. It’s widespread in central and south-east Australia; you’ll find it in every state except Western Australia.

Locations → Queensland: Diamantina National Park; Victoria: Damper Creek Reserve; SA: along the banks of the Murray River near Murray Bridge.

FEATURES

This sprawling herb grows up to 30cm high and 1m wide and can have an endlessness to it when allowed to run wild. Soft and a bit hairy, the 1–6cm spear-head leaves grow in pairs on long running branches. The leaves are marginally serrated or toothed. When flowering, small white to pale purple flowers emerge in soft clusters.

FLOWERING SEASON

Spring and summer → This rambling perennial thrives in summer (particularly after our infamous summer floods). It shows off its flowers November through to April, in some cases appearing as early as late spring.

TRADITIONAL USES

Mentha australis has been used not only to flavour food but also as an insect repellent and a medicine, treating colds, sore throats and headaches.

PLANTING

River Mint loves all things damp and thrives in moist, low-light areas. Plenty of water and a bit of bogginess in the soil won’t go astray. Simply pick a few runners and throw them in some damp soil. It can do well in a pot or container, but if it’s in a sunny position it will need an extra drink!