Mint





//Caroline Zhong//
 * SCIENTIFIC DESCRIPTION**

The angiosperm in question is thought to be a monocot plant as the leaves have unidirectional vasculature and the flowers of the verticil clusters grow in groups of 6, which is a multiple of three. The plant is furthermore considered to be of the genus Mentha, of mint plants. This is because the flower color is within the white-purple range commonly characteristic of mint flowers, the leaves are arranged in pairs with two leaves at each node opposite one another, and the stem is square-shaped about the longitudinal axis. The flower petals are irregular, bilabial-like formations that are composed of four petals, where the two above are greater in area than the two below. This achieves a visual effect of a dog’s face or two open lips. The flower is also observed to be strongly aromatic, with an uncommon odor that is distinct from the basil plant that closely resembles it in physical appearance. The stem is light green in color, indicating that photosynthesis occurs along the stem, and the stem is flexible along the four planes that arise from its square-like structure. The stigma is extended far ahead of the pollen-bearing anthers, indicating spatial separation of the gametes to avoid self-fertilization. Mints are typically perennial, with fast-spreading rhizomes that make them characteristically invasive in communities that they establish themselves in.

//Jen Buono//
 * IN LAYMAN’S TERMS**

This purple flower, likely of the mint variety has a square stem, that droops at the top. It is very thin, and has visible veins running up its length. The stem also has small hair-like projections from the stem. These also run the length of the stem. The purple flowers are very unique. Unlike the common petal-based flower, which can be easily identified, this mint variety has claw-like flower structure. There are two sides of the flower, coming from a “base” so to speak. The longer half of the claw has a thin, white projection. On the tip of the projection there appears to be a tip that is a reddish-brown color. The flowers are arranged along the stem so that there are several on a single plane. That is to say that there is a ring of about four flowers on each ¾ inch or so going up the stem. The flowers themselves are a light purple, violet color.

//Andrew Niess//
 * O MINT FLOWER**

//O mint flower, weeping to the side, free as the hanging and drying shirts, fluttering in the cool summer breeze, whose flowers are like hungry mouths.

Such purple flowers welcome, the brother insect, whose yellow fuzz will carry, on and on, the daughters to come.

Are you scared, O mint flower? For your hairs stand up on edge, with no signs of easing.

Be at rest, O mint flower, for you may not be white and calm, but you pacify us, the innocent observers from above, from the stresses of our lives.

And that, O mint flower, is enough.//