2023 What Is The Scientific Name For Mint: Expert Tell You

What Makes Mint Unique Among Herbs?

Mint has many properties that set it apart from other common herbs. It has a distinctive odor and flavor due to its high content of volatile oils like menthol and menthone. Mint plants spread aggressively via underground stolons, making them hardy and almost impossible to fully eradicate once established. There are over 30 species of the Mentha genus, far more than any similar herb, with different flavors ranging from mint to spearmint, peppermint, and pineapple mint.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

mint, herb, green leaves plant during daytime — *Photo by* *Benjamin Nijs* / *Unsplash*

The Rich History of Mint’s Scientific Classification

The Mentha genus has gone through several changes in its scientific classification over time. In the 18th century, Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus first classified mint in his binomial nomenclature system and assigned it the name Mentha viridis.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, many new mint species were discovered, prompting botanists to reclassify them into different genera. Mentha spicata (spearmint) and Mentha piperita (peppermint) were separated into the genus Nepeta.

In 1964, botanists Robert T. Clausen and Lester Mwanisongole published a study indicating that all mint species belonged to the Mentha genus . Their conclusion has been largely adopted by modern botanists:

Classification of Mentha genus:

Kingdom: Plantae – plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – dicotyledons
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae – mint family
Genus: Mentha – mints
Species: over 30 including M. piperita, M. spicata, M. crispata, etc.

mint, oil, a pair of scissors sitting on top of a yellow and orange background — *Photo by* *Mae Mu* / *Unsplash*

The Taxonomy of Mint: Understanding the Hierarchical Naming System

The scientific name of mint follows the hierarchical taxonomy established by Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus. This system precisely classifies organisms according to shared morphological and evolutionary features.

Moving from general to specific, mint plants can be classified as follows:

Kingdom – Plantae: All plants, characterized by the presence of chlorophyll.

Division – Magnoliophyta: Plants that reproduce using seeds and flowers.

Class – Magnoliopsida: Flowering plants with netlike leaf venation (dicots).

Order – Lamiales: Includes plants with bilabiate flowers and square stems.

Family – Lamiaceae: The deadnettle or mint family, characterized by aromatic herbs.

Genus – Mentha: All mint plants known for their distinctive aroma and flavor.

Species – The specific scientific name:

Peppermint = Mentha x piperita
Spearmint = Mentha spicata
Corsican mint = Mentha requienii

The binomial scientific name combines genus and species, giving each organism a unique identifier and helping eliminate confusion between similar plants.

mint, oil, sliced fruit on white surface — *Photo by* *Brooke Lark* / *Unsplash*

Exploring the Genus and Species of Mint

The Mentha genus contains over 30 species of mint plants, with new species still being discovered. Some of the most common types include:

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): A hybrid of spearmint and water mint. The most widely cultivated species due to its high menthol content and flavor.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata): Most commonly used for culinary purposes, with a less intense flavor than peppermint.
Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens): Also called pineapple mint due to its sweet, subtle fruit flavor.
Corsican mint (Mentha requienii): A dark green variety native to Corsica and the Mediterranean with strong minty fragrance.
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium): A low-growing species used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, though now known to be toxic.
Catmint (Nepeta cataria): Not technically a mint but related and similarly aromatic, named for attracting cats.

Some mint species are grown specifically for their ornamental value rather than uses in cooking or medicine. The many varieties provide gardeners with a wide range of foliage colors, shapes and flower tones.

mint, herb, white and yellow flowers during daytime — *Photo by* *Monika Grabkowska* / *Unsplash*

The Role of Mint in Botanical Research and Medicine

Mint plants have played an important role in botanical research and medical practice for centuries. Their aromatic oils have made them useful for studies of plant chemistry and as sources of medicinal compounds.

Early botanists used mint species to explore basic plant processes like growth, reproduction and responses to the environment. Modern researchers still study mint plants to gain insights into subjects like gene expression, pest resistance and photosynthesis.

Medicinally, mint has been used since ancient times to relieve gastrointestinal issues like nausea, indigestion, bloating and abdominal pain. The oils in mint leaves contain menthol and menthone, which have local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Peppermint oil, derived from Mentha x piperita , is one of the most widely used medicinal oils. It is used topically for muscle aches and headaches and internally in capsule or drop form for irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive issues.

Research has shown that peppermint oil capsules are as effective as prescription medications for relieving IBS symptoms. Scientists are now exploring mint’s potential for treating other conditions like inflammation , cancer and fungal infections.

mint, oil, clear glass bottle with brown liquid — *Photo by* *Kadarius Seegars* / *Unsplash*

More Helpful Guide

Frequently Asked Question

Can mint be used in cocktails and drinks?

Yes, mint pairs very well with liquor like rum, vodka, bourbon and gin. It is commonly used in mojitos, mint juleps, and other cocktails. Mint brings a fresh, cooling flavor to drinks.

How much sun does mint need?

Mint thrives best in partial or filtered sunlight. Avoid planting mint in areas that get hot afternoon sun. Dappled sunlight is ideal for robust mint plants.

How do you use mint in cooking?

Chopped mint can be added at the end of cooking to salads, soups, grains and meats. It is often used in marinades, chutneys, and sauces. Mint is blended into smoothies and frozen desserts too.