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San Mateo thorn-mint

Scientific Name: Acanthomintha duttonii

Family: Lamiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names: CA (San Mateo thorn mint)

       

Acanthomintha duttonii: San Mateo Thornmint

Acanthomintha duttonii, commonly known as San Mateo Thornmint or Dutton's acanthomintha, is a rare and fascinating plant endemic to a small area in California.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acanthomintha duttonii (Abrams) Jokerst
  • Common Names: San Mateo Thornmint, Dutton's acanthomintha
  • Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Acanthomintha obovata ssp. duttonii Abrams, Acanthomintha obovata Jepson ssp duttonii Abrams

Considerations for Pets

  • As a member of the Acanthomintha genus, this plant may have thorns, as the genus name implies.
  • It is an aromatic herb, meaning it contains volatile oils that some pets may react to.

Considerations for Children

  • As a member of the Acanthomintha genus, this plant may have thorns, as the genus name implies.

Distribution and Habitat

  • This species is found only in serpentine grasslands in a small area south of San Francisco, specifically in San Mateo County, California.
  • It grows on serpentine soils near the Crystal Springs Reservoir.
  • Historically, it was also found in central California, with herbarium specimens documenting its location in Fresno and San Mateo counties.

Ecological Role

  • The San Mateo Thornmint is an endangered species, both federally and within California.
  • Its habitat is primarily serpentine grassland, which is a unique and sensitive ecosystem.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a small, aromatic, annual herb.
  • The plant is covered with minute, grayish hairs.
  • It has white flowers, sometimes tinged with lavender or purple.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The San Mateo Thornmint serves as a host plant for certain butterflies, such as the Callippe Silverspot, Mission Blue, and San Bruno Elfin.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Acanthomintha duttonii.
  • CalPhotos provides images of the plant.