Mentha australis -
River Mint
H: 30cm
W: 50cm
Fragrant edible herb with white or pale pink flowers in spring.
Edible uses: Can be used fresh or dried. Use to make sauces, salad dressings, in desserts and pairs particularly well with chocolate. Use as a tea and in cool drinks.
Pests and Diseases: White Fly and Spider Mites. Ensuring good health will help prevent pest attack.
Uses in the garden: Groundcover under existing shrubs and trees, along borders and in pots with a good layer of mulch to maintain moisture.
Position: Part shade
Propagation: By division.
Growing Range: Inland Victoria, NSW and Tasmania though will grow well on the East Coast if in an area of the garden with low humidity.
Photo by Narelle Happ
Photo by Ian D B Moodie under Creative Commons License
Photo by light-up-gold under Creative Commons License
Source: Aunty Jenni Tillett and Corinne Payne. Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung, Ngarrabul and Walbanja Yuin Women.
Born and raised on Dharawal/ Tharawal country.
*This information is a guide only. Correct identification is required before trying any native bush foods. Care must be taken to not consume plants in an environment where pesticides or herbicides may have been used.