Mint Plants With Tubular Roots

Calamint

• Calamintha species, commonly referred to as calamint, are included within the enormous mint family. These species grow rhizomatous roots. The rhizome is a small stem that grows and spreads horizontally just beneath the soil surface, forming new little calamint plants every few inches. C. arkansana is 6 to 12 inches tall and wide. It blooms in white to burgundy or purple from midspring until first frost. C. nepeta is 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. It blooms in white from late spring to early autumn. C. nepeta subspecies nepeta grows wider than the species, with a mature width up to 2 feet. It also blooms from late spring to early autumn but the flowers are larger and lilac to white. Calamint leaves smell like peppermint when they are crushed.

Mint

• Mentha species also form rhizomatous roots. M. x piperita f. citrata or lemon mint is 1 to 2 feet tall and wide and blooms in lavender in mid-summer. Its leaves have an orange-mint flavor and fragrance. The Chocolate cultivar, or chocolate mint, is similar to lemon mint but the foliage smells and tastes like minty chocolate. M. spicata or spearmint is 1 to 2 feet tall and wide and blooms in pale purple, pink or white in midsummer. M. suaveolens or apple mint is the same as spearmint in size and bloom time but it blooms in pale pink to white. Its leaves smell and taste like fruit.

Bonsai Mint

• Plectranthus ernstii or bonsai mint develops a thick succulent woody-looking caudex. It becomes rounded as the plant ages and can grow to 2 inches thick. These mint plants are approximately 1 foot tall at maturity. Their leaves are thick, fuzzy and slightly succulent, making them appear velvety. Bonsai mint plants bloom during the summer, producing flowers ranging from pale blue to purple. Its leaves have a spicy fragrance.

Livingstone Potato

• Plectranthus esculentus, commonly known as Livingstone or Madagascar potato and scrambled eggs, is grown in South and East Africa for its edible roots. The tuberous roots on this mint plant are thick and elongated, resembling fingers. They are prepared in the same way as potatoes, including a dish similar to potato salad, and are eaten uncooked. The flavor of the roots varies depending on growing conditions. It can be similar to sweet potatoes or parsnips. They may also have a bitter taste or barely any flavor at all. The plants grow to about 3 feet tall with 2- to 2 1/2-inch fuzzy fragrant oval-shaped leaves. They bloom in the spring, producing flowers in red, yellow or purple.