シソ科ハッカ属の多年草で、学名は Mentha x piperita。英名は Peppermint。
The Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) belongs to Lamiaceae (the Mint family). It is a perennial herb that is native to Europe. This herb is a natural hybrid between the Watermint (Mentha aquatica) and the Spearmint (Mentha spicata). This herb grows in streambanks or drainage ditches and can reach 30-90 cm in height. The leaves are narrow-ovate and opposite with coarsely toothed edges. The spikes are borne and bloom tiny purple flowers from July trough August. Peppermint has a high menthol content, and is used as a flavouring in tea, ice cream and chewing gum and toothpaste.