Mentha x piperita nigra (Black peppermint)

Straggly plant with long lanceolate toothed leaves and oblong lilac pink flower spikes. A variety of Mentha x piperita (Peppermint) which is itself a hybrid of Mentha aquatica (Water mint) and Mentha spicata (Spearmint), and the source of peppermint oil (menthol). This is widely used as a flavouring for foods, drinks and dental products such as toothpaste and mouth-washes. Peppermint also aids digestion. Menthol also used as an antiseptic and insecticide.