Mentha spicata subsp. spicata
Spear mint
Mentha spicata subsp. spicata, commonly known as spearmint, is a versatile perennial herb prized for its refreshing aroma and culinary uses. Rich in carvone, this subspecies offers potent antimicrobial and digestive benefits. It is widely utilized in aromatherapy and traditional medicine to soothe gastrointestinal issues and promote relaxation.
- Scientific name: Mentha spicata subsp. spicata
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Mentha. Specifically, the taxon is identified as the subspecies spicata.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Mentha | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known by the common name Spear Mint in English, is a widely recognized medicinal herb belonging to the mint family.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| en | Spear Mint | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely recognized for its presence throughout various regions of Northern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark. Its distribution also extends across the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit the territories of Norway. Finally, its geographical reach includes the various regions of Sweden.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as spearmint, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through the use of its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which include the vibrant green leaves, square-shaped stems, and delicate flowering spikes, contain the essential oils responsible for the plant's therapeutic aromatic qualities. When harvested, these aerial parts serve as the primary source of menthol and other volatile compounds used in various herbal remedies and culinary applications.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Mentha spicata subsp. spicata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticoagulant.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |