(Question)
I harvested some mint a few day ago to dry for tea. As I was stripping the leaves I came across a stem that has triple leaves rather than the usual double leaves on the stem. Is this relatively common like a 4-leaf clover?
Would anyone be interested in it?
(Answer)
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners
It is not unusual in the plant world to see variation and mutations that you describe. For your interest, this article by The Spruce there are many varieties of mint. 11 Varieties of mint
When you say that it has three leaves we need to know are the three leaves opposite on the stem (Response: there are 3 leaves at each growth node)
Thank you for your inquiry, we would be interested in seeing a photo of your mint. (Response: I tried to send a photo with my initial inquiry. Will attach it again.)
Thank you for providing a lovely photo of the mint. Mentha from the Plant Family: Lamiaceae
It is not unusual in the plant world to see variation and mutations that you describe.
It is not unusual in the plant world to see variation and mutations that you describe.
The photo is of the new growth top of the mint, when leaves are emerging. The top of the mint grows a new square stem with new leaves on opposite sides. This may seem as many leaves coming forth. Once the square stem and leaves elongate it will have two opposite leaves. There are different varieties of mint, some varieties of mints will have new leaves growing in the axils of the old leaves which may look like its three leaved.
The Alamy website photo attached is of a four sided stem similar to mint showing leaves growing out of the leaf axil ” stem leaf axil of Wage figwort/Scrophularia aquatica plant. Leaf Axil Leaves Growing
Wikepedia: Mentions that there are many hybrids in the mint family : “Mentha (also known as mint, from Greek μίνθα míntha,[2] Linear B mi-ta[3]) is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae (mint family).[4] The exact distinction between species is unclear; it is estimated that 13 to 24 species exist.[5][1] Hybridization occurs naturally where some species’ ranges overlap. Many hybrids and cultivars are known. ” Mint Family
The website Home Garden Joy lists that there are 600 types of mint:Mint types