Common Name: Bush mint. Pignut.
Bush mint is an annual with a woody stem, it grows to a height of about 3 feet. It is native to Mexico, it can grow in impoverished soils and can withstand hardy climatic conditions. The plant presently has spread itself over most continents, often classified as an invasive plant in many countries. The entire plant is covered with white hairs but they are not prickly. The stem has a cross section which is square. The simple leafs are arranged in an opposite manner, it has a toothed margin, the leaf surface has a wrinkled look. The leaf shape is ovate and measure around 4-5 cm in length; leaf tip is acute. The inflorescence is axillary and flowers, they are lavender in color, flowers are tubular, bi-lipped, zygomorphic and the flower has 4 stamens. The plant has a strong pungent aromatic fragrance. They flower throughout the year. They attract a host of insects-they act as pollinators. Their reproductive capacity is well advanced compared to many old-world plants in Western Ghat area. Bush mint has spread across most parts of western ghats and they have become invasive. In South America the plant is much valued for its various medicinal properties. Over the last 200 years since its introduction it now also used as a medicinal plant in Ayurveda.
