SafePlants

Acanthomintha: A Deep Dive into Thorn-Mints

This page explores the fascinating world of Acanthomintha, a genus of plants commonly known as thorn-mints. We'll delve into their taxonomy, distribution, and other interesting facts.

Considerations for Pets

• The common name "thorn-mint" suggests the possibility of thorns or sharp edges.

Scientific and Common Names

• Genus: Acanthomintha
• Species: The text mentions several species including:
  • Acanthomintha duttonii (Abrams) Jokerst - San Mateo thorn-mint
  • Acanthomintha ilicifolia (A. Gray) A. Gray - San Diego thorn-mint
  • Acanthomintha obovata Jeps. - San Benito thorn-mint
  • Acanthomintha lanceolata Curran - Santa Clara Thorn Mint

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Lamiaceae
• Rank: The text refers to subspecies such as:
  • Acanthomintha obovata Jeps. subsp. obovata
• Synonyms: The text suggests the following synonyms:
  • Acanthomintha obovatassp. duttonii = A. Benito thornmint
  • Calamintha ilicifolia A. Gray

Distribution and Habitat

• Acanthomintha duttonii: Found in San Mateo, and ranges from Alameda County to Los Angeles County.
• Acanthomintha ilicifolia: Endemic to the southern portion of the South Coast and the southwest Peninsular ranges of California.
• Acanthomintha obovata spp. obovata: Located west of the Sierra Nevadas in woodland and coastal scrub at elevations of 262-3,936 feet. Found in United States, specifically in San Benito.
• Reference is made to various locations, including Santa Clara, San Benito Mountain, Santa Rita Peak, San Antonio and Nacimiento rivers and San Jose

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Acanthomintha obovata is described as a forb/herb, specifically an annual herb, which means it is a non-woody plant that completes its life cycle in one year.
• The text mentions that shrubs (likely referring to Acanthomintha) develop new shoots and prepare their flowers during the spring.

Ecological Role

• San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia) is listed as a California endangered plant species, indicating its vulnerable status and the legal protections it receives.

Quirky Facts

• One source mentions a drink "like a mojito with a thimble of rum, blended with a half pound of mint leaves for $5," though the specific connection to Acanthomintha is unclear.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Acanthomintha obovata.
• United States Department of Agriculture