Mentha × villosa (syn: Mentha alopecuroides, Mentha nemorosa, Mentha villosa var. alopecuroides) also known as hairy mint or mojito mint is a hybrid species of mint, a cross between Mentha spicata and Mentha suaveolens.[1]
This species is native to temperate and warm temperate regions of Europe and occurs in meadows, pastures, and ruderal locations.[2] However, it is cultivated in many other countries throughout the world.
In Cuba and the Philippines, this species is known as yerba buena or hierbabuena. In Cuba, it is a core ingredient in the mojito cocktail, though other mints such as spearmint are used where mojito mint is not available.[3] [4] [5] In the Philippines, this species has a long history of medicinal use and is one of 10 medicinal plant species that the Philippine government has endorsed as effective.[6]
Mentha × villosa is a herbaceous, rhizomatous, perennial plant that grows to be 30- tall, with smooth stems, square in cross section. The rhizomes are wide-spreading and fleshy, and bear fibrous roots.
Historically, this species has been included in European medicinal and aromatic plant gardens, though its cultivation in Europe is in decline.[2] However, the mojito mint variety from Cuba has become increasingly popular in the United States and elsewhere as a culinary garden plant for making mojitos and other culinary uses.[7]