The Tortoise Table

So coming from my last post (thanks again Nina ) I have another plant to identify. The problem is that it's a big patch of mint, and frankly I've no idea what kind! I obviously want to be quite sure it's spearmint before I try feeding it to tort.

It's growing outside my front door in large patches; exactly like what I've posted. I can't recall seeing it flower. It has an almost square stem with four defined sides. It appears palatable to wildlife at least, as some of the leaves appear to have been chewed on (possibly by snails).

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Well, it definitely looks like one of the Mints (and all of the Mint family have square stems).
Most varieties of mint are fine for tortoises https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/pla ... nt=506&c=5 , but two types contain moderately toxic compounds and should not be fed: Pennyroyal https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/pla ... ilkVy2cZX9 and Peppermint http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/plan ... MPfwhicZBw

I'm afraid I can't ID it just from that photo. If you pinch the leaves and rub them hard, what does it smell like? I'm going to ask Lin to come in and have a look at your photo in case she is sure of an ID. Hopefully we'll be able to get ID for you.

Nina

Hi Sam.
Mints give us the arghh feeling - . In general mint genus is so easy to identify but when it comes to the species it’s a different matter. I do think this looks like Peppermint but that’s not saying it is.
Mints, as you know give off a strong aroma when the leaf is bruised between finger and thumb and the peppermint smells strong like a peppermint gum or toothpaste. The Spearmint on the other hand does have an aroma that is a very pleasant and a milder sweeter smell just like a spearmint chew or gum. The difference is quite noticeable. Could you have a sniff and see if you can determine a difference.
You can also try breaking up a leaf and dropping it in a small glass with a little hot water to release the aroma.
Regards

Lin