Mentha australis

Botanical Name:  Mentha australis
Common Name:  River mint
Family:  Lamiaceae
Size:  0.3-0.8m H x 0.3-0.9m W

Leaves:  Soft, ovate leaves with toothed margin, up to 6cm long, borne on short stalks opposite each other. Strong mint scent.
Flowers:  White tubular flowers, 5-7 mm in length, clustered at the leaf axil.
Flowering Time: Mid-summer to early autumn.
Fruit: consists of 4 nutlets.

Habitat/distribution: Perennial aromatic herb often with a sprawling/creeping habit sometimes erect.  Endangered in Tasmania, found in small sub-populations in riparian and marshy areas along the South Esk and Rubicon rivers and Lake Trevallyn in the north of the state.  Also: SA, Vic, NSW, Qld, WA and rare in ACT.
Where to See:  Lake Trevallyn, South Esk River (Trevallyn Dam to First Basin) and Rubicon River.
Other notes: Propagate from cuttings or division. Likes moist to boggy shaded positions, can be invasive. Easily kept in check if grown in a container.  Benefits from regular pruning.  Mint scented leaves has been used in cooking as a substitute for introduced mint varieties.  In addition to food also used in Australian Aboriginal culture as an insect repellent and medicinal plant.