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calamint

Scientific Name: Calamintha

Family: Lamiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Calamint (Calamintha)

Calamint refers to plants belonging to the genus Calamintha, which is part of the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. These aromatic herbs are known for their attractive foliage and flowers.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Calamintha
  • Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
  • Synonyms: Mentions of Satureja as a synonym.
  • Melissa calamintha (Likely a historical classification, now likely reclassified within Calamintha or a related genus).

Common Names

  • Calamint
  • Lesser Calamint (specifically for Calamintha nepeta)
  • Showy Calamint (specifically for Calamintha grandiflora)
  • Arkansas Mint, Limestone Calamint, Limestone Savory, Ozark Calamint, Wild Calamint (specifically for Clinopodium arkansanum – Low Calamint)
  • Ashe's Calamint, Ohoopee Wild Basil, Ashe's Wild Savory (specifically for Calamintha ashei)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Europe, the Mediterranean region, and the UK.
  • Also found in western Europe, central Asia, and North America.
  • Showy calamint (Calamintha grandiflora) is native to southern Europe and North Africa.
  • Low Calamint (Clinopodium arkansanum) is native to Arkansas.
  • Grows in hedgerows, scrub, open woodlands, dry sunny borders, and rock walls.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial herbs that can form compact mounds or bushy shapes.
  • Typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30-45 cm) for Calamintha nepeta, though some species may reach 2 feet (0.6 m) tall or more.
  • Stems are often thick and upright.
  • Leaves are small, shiny, and dark green, resembling those of Nepeta (Catmint) in some cases.
  • Flowers are small, tubular, and appear in airy plumes. Flower colors include pink, lilac, white, or purple-blue.
  • Has a creeping rootstock.

Ecological Role

  • Noted for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
  • Calamints are similar to garden mint but without the "nasty spreading habit".

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that Calamintha has an intense leaf texture, small parts, and an intense minty scent.

Quirky Facts

  • Calamintha nepeta 'Blue Cloud' is described as having a fragrance similar to oregano.
  • Calamint is called a "trouble-free plant" whose leaves smell strongly of mint.

Further Information

  • WebMD provides medical information about Calamint.
  • Dave's Garden offers gardening tips and ideas.
  • Plant Delights Nursery offers Calamintha for sale.
  • Monrovia provides details on Montrose White Dwarf Calamint.
  • Zoopla provides property values for addresses including "Calamint".
  • Wikipedia has an article on Calamintha grandiflora.