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San Benito thorn-mint

Scientific Name: Acanthomintha obovata ssp. obovata

Family: Lamiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Acanthomintha: The Thornmints

The genus Acanthomintha encompasses several fascinating plants, often referred to as thornmints due to the presence of spine-tipped leaves and bracts.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species are called "thornmints" due to spine-tipped leaves and bracts.

Considerations for Children

  • Some species are called "thornmints" due to spine-tipped leaves and bracts.

Scientific Names & Common Names

  • Acanthomintha duttonii (Abrams) Jokerst: San Mateo thorn-mint
  • Acanthomintha ilicifolia (A. Gray) A. Gray: San Diego thornmint, San Diego thorn-mint
  • Acanthomintha lanceolata Curran: Santa Clara Thorn Mint
  • Acanthomintha obovata Jeps.: San Benito Thorn-mint
  • Acanthomintha obovata ssp. obovata: San Benito Thorn-mint
  • Acanthomintha obovata ssp. cordata: heartleaf thorn-mint

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
  • Rank: Includes species and subspecies.
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names:
    • Acanthomintha obovata ssp. obovata is also referred to as ACOBO.
    • Calamintha ilicifolia A. Gray

Distribution and Habitat

  • These plants are primarily found in California, with specific species endemic to certain regions.
  • Acanthomintha duttonii is found in San Mateo and potentially ranges from Alameda County to Los Angeles County.
  • Acanthomintha ilicifolia (San Diego thorn-mint) is endemic to the southern portion of the South Coast and the southwest Peninsular ranges of California south.
  • Acanthomintha obovata is endemic to California.
  • Acanthomintha obovata spp. obovata can be found in the woodland and coastal scrub (west of the Sierra Nevadas). Elevations: 262-3,936 feet.

Ecological Role

  • The San Diego thornmint is a California endangered plant species, which means that killing or possessing this plant is prohibited by the California Endangered Species Act.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Acanthomintha obovata is described as a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • It can be an annual herb.

Quirky Facts

  • One user had a mojito in San Benito that was blended with a half pound of mint leaves.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Acanthomintha obovata.
  • The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) also provides information.