98 THE FLORA OF THE ALPS 



lets; stem always square; leaves always opposite and 

 decussate, often glandular and fragrant. A very large 

 order, belonging chiefly to the Temperate Zone. 



1. Mentha, L. 



Flowers small, in dense axillary cymes, often com- 

 bined into leafy spikes ; corolla-tube short, limb 4-lobed ; 

 stamens nearly equal; whole plant usually strongly fra- 

 grant. Not alpine. 



The Swiss species of Mint are the same as the English, 

 viz. : — In wet places, road-sides, &c. : — M. sylvestris, L. 

 (including nemorosa, Willd.), Horse-mint ; with whorls in 

 terminal spikes and obovate or lanceolate leaves; M. 

 rotundifolia, L. ; similar, but leaves nearly round, shaggy; 

 M. piperita, Huds., Pepper-mint ; very strongly scented, 

 with glabrous stalked leaves ; M. aquatica, L. ; with 

 softer leaves, and very crowded whorls; very common; 

 M. sativa, L. (including rubra, Sm., gracilis, Sm., pra- 

 tensis, Sol., and gentilis, L.) ; distinguished from the last 

 by the inflorescence being. more concealed in the leaves. 

 In cultivated land : — M. arvensis, L. ; a very hairy pros- 

 trate plant ; very common ; M. Pulegium, L., Penny- 

 royal; a smaller plant, whorls quite distinct, calyx 2- 

 lipped. Other forms described are probably hybrids. 



2. Lycopus, L. 



Flowers small, in dense axillary sessile cymes ; calyx 

 nearly regular, 4-5 -toothed; corolla nearly regular; 

 stamens 4, two of them imperfect. Not alpine. 



L. europeeus, L., Gipsy-wort; stem 2-3 ft., flowers 

 very small, white dotted with purple ; wet places. 



