Shoot of Sparmint Plant (Mentha spicata)
This photo shows the rapidly-growing tip of the shoot of a spearmint plant. Note the sharp serration of the leaves, a characteristic feature of this species of mint, and the reason for both its scientific name (spicata) and common name ("spear").
Although the leaves of this type of mint tend to be sharp and pointy, the aroma is notably softer than that of peppermint, a hybrid mint which has a sharper aroma.
This image is featured in our article on Spearmint Tea.
