Tropical bushmint
Cantinoa mutabilis
Synonyms: Hyptis mutabilis, Mesosphaerum mutabile, Mesosphaerum mutabile var. polystachyum, Hyptis kerberi, Hyptis rostrata, Hyptis trichocalyx, Teucrium rhombifolium, Mesosphaerum mutabile var. spicatum, Hyptis tenuiflora, Hyptis micrantha, Hyptis polystachya, Hyptis barbata, Mesosphaerum mutabile f. albiflorum, Hyptis canescens var. arvensis, Mesosphaerum barbatum, Hyptis spicata var. rostrata, Mesosphaerum mutabile f. coeruleum, Hyptis aspera, Hyptis mutabilis var. rostrata, Hyptis mutabilis var. polystachya, Hyptis mutabilis var. micrantha, Hyptis mutabilis var. pavoniana, Hyptis spicata var. micrantha, Hyptis mutabilis var. spicata, Hyptis spicata, Hyptis canaminensis, Hyptis mutabilis var. canescens, Hyptis mutabilis var. cuneata, Mesosphaerum spicatum, Hyptis mutabilis var. bromfieldii, Mesosphaerum yungasensis, Hyptis spicata var. bromfieldii, Hyptis arvensis, Hyptis singularis, Hyptis canescens, Mesosphaerum canescens, Nepeta mutabilis, Hyptis racemosa
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Cantinoa mutabilis, formerly known as Hyptis mutabilis and commonly called tropical bushmint, is an aromatic annual or short-lived perennial herb in the family Lamiaceae native to tropical and subtropical America and now widely naturalized across the tropics. It grows erect to about 0.5 to 2 meters tall with a square, often purplish, finely hairy stem branched in the upper part. The opposite leaves are ovate to lance-ovate, coarsely toothed, softly pubescent and strongly aromatic when crushed. Small two-lipped flowers, pale lavender to violet (occasionally white), are borne in dense head-like cymes arranged on long axillary peduncles. The corolla quickly fades, leaving the persistent bell-shaped calyces that elongate and turn brown in fruit, each enclosing four small nutlets. The species occurs in disturbed ground, roadsides, pastures and open clearings from sea level to about 1500 meters.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.