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