Mentha arvensis L., forma (Finland, Lohja,
Jalassaari, 2002).
– Image: Harri
Harmaja (scanned directly from dried specimen).
– This mint was growing among typical representatives of M.
arvensis in a brook side; Cardamine amara and Impatiens
noli-tangere were also present. The plant resembles M. ×verticillata L. a bit
as the inflorescences get condensed towards the tip of the plant, and the
calyces possess fairly distinct nerves. The latter is the name for the hybrid swarm formed from crosses
between M. aquatica L. and M. arvensis. But the bracts of the
Lohja plant are large, leaf-like, and the calyx lobes are rather broad.
Most probably this morph is taxonomically not relevant.
M. aquatica does not occur in Lohja but only in coastal areas of the very SW
corner of Finland. M. ×verticillata likewise is only known from that area. But could
the present plant reflect an ancient, minor introgression from M.
aquatica?
Created February 12, 2004.