Mentha × villosa explained

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]

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).[2]

Description

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.

Cultivation

Mentha × villosa grows best in moist soil and part-full sun.[3] [4]

The variety was not commonly available outside of Cuba until about 2005, when it became commercially available in North America.[5]

Notes and References

  1. https://garden.org/plants/view/144593/Mojito-Mint-Mentha-x-villosa/ "Mojito Mint: Mentha x villosa" Garden.org
  2. https://cookmundo.com/mojito/ "Mojito" Cookmundo.com
  3. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/99093/ "Mentha x villosa" DavesGarden.com
  4. https://www.greenwoodnursery.com/mojito-mint "Mojito Mint" GreenwoodNursery.com
  5. https://www.joyusgarden.com/grow-mojito-mint/ "Grow Mojito Mint" JoyusGarden.com