LABIATE. 



647 



3. Spear Mint. Mentha viridis, Linn. (Fig. 775.) 

 (Eng. Bot. t. 2424.) 



An erect or ascending perennial, with 

 the narrow leaves sessile or nearly so, 

 and the cylindrical terminal spikes of 

 the horse 3f., but the stem and leaves 

 are green and glabrous, although there 

 are often hairs on the calyx and bracts. 



Chiefly known in Europe, Asia, and 

 North America, as the common Mint of 

 gardens, and only found apparently 

 wild in countries where it has been long 

 cultivated. Occurs occasionally in Bri- 

 tain under similar circumstances. Fl. 

 end of summer. It is not improbably a 

 mere variety of the horse M., of garden 

 or accidental origin, rendered perpetual 

 by its ready propagation by suckers. 



Fig. 775. 



4. Pepper Mint. Mdntha piperita, Sin. (Fig. 776.) 

 (Eng. Bot. t. 687.) 



A perennial, less erect than the spear 

 M. f glabrous like that species or nearly 

 so. Leaves more stalked and broader. 

 Spikes fuller, consisting of larger whorls ; 

 the lower ones often distant, showing 

 an approach to the character of the 

 water M. 



The common pungent variety appears 

 to be of garden origin, occasionally 

 spreading in wet places in several parts 

 of Europe. Indicated in several loca- 

 lities in England and Ireland. Fl. end 

 of summer. It may possibly prove to be 

 a mere variety of the water M. 



Fig. 776. 



