Mentha × villosa (syn: Mentha alopecuroides, Mentha nemorosa, Mentha villosa var. alopecuroides) is a hybrid species of mint, a cross between Mentha spicata and Mentha suaveolens.[1][2]

Mentha × villosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Mentha
Species:
M. × villosa
Binomial name
Mentha × villosa
Huds.

The mint is traditionally used as a core ingredient in Cuba in the famous mojito, where it is known as yerba buena or hierbabuena (the drink is often made with spearmint outside of Cuba).[3]

Description

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Mentha × villosa is a herbaceous, rhizomatous, perennial plant that grows to be 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall, with smooth stems, square in cross section. The rhizomes are wide-spreading and fleshy, and bear fibrous roots.

Cultivation

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Mentha × villosa grows best in moist soil and part-full sun.[4][5]

The variety was not commonly available outside of Cuba until about 2005, when it became commercially available in North America.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Mojito Mint: Mentha x villosa" Garden.org(Accessed Nov. 29, 2022)
  2. ^ "313220". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
  3. ^ "Mojito" Cookmundo.com(accessed Nov. 29, 2022)
  4. ^ "Mentha x villosa" DavesGarden.com (accessed Nov. 29, 2022)
  5. ^ "Mojito Mint" GreenwoodNursery.com (accessed Nov. 29, 2022)
  6. ^ "Grow Mojito Mint" JoyusGarden.com(accessed Nov. 29, 2022)