The pennyroyal of mount also known by the name of canary pennyroyal or as mastranto, it is a plant that is of Canarian origin of which only two varieties are known, which are smithianus and canariensis.
They are quite popular due to their aroma that is very similar to that of mint and in the same way for the use it is given to prepare infusions, this is a shrub that has a large size and it is characteristic for the flowers it possesses, which usually sprout in sets arranged on the same axis directly on the stem, as well as for the leaves that have an appearance similar to the wing of a spear.
Features
This is a plant that can be found on the islands that belong to the Gran Canaria, to Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.
The mastranto or mountain pennyroyal is a fairly large shrub, with measures that can vary but can reach approximately two meters high. Usually different from the rest of the lamineae due to its stem and also its leaves.
The flowers on the one hand are arranged in verticillars that are glomerular, their calyx is bell-shaped, has short teeth They are quite fine and have a color that is white or pink. On the other hand, the leaves have a shape similar to that of a spear, green in color and have hairs in a more or less dense way on the underside.
Farming
La reproduction can be done through its seeds or also by stakes. By seeds it is usually a form of production used infrequently, this is because its growth is quite slow and because it is easier to reproduce this plant using another type of method.
However and in nature this is the most common way. When it is by cuttings, is made from woody stems which are previously obtained from adult plants.
The planting density can be from 12 to 20 plants per hectare, adapting this distance to the fertility of the soil. As usual cultivation is done with rows that are one meter or more apart.
Pennyroyal plants in general need the soil to be fairly deep with sufficient fertility and plants they need to be placed in full sun.
To harvest the dry leaves, it is usually done at the time that the plant is in the pre-flowering stage, which is usually in the middle of spring. They are cut a few inches above ground level.
To be used as essence harvesting is done when the plants are in full bloomThis means that it is the time when 50% of its flowers are open, which is usually for the last days of spring or the first days of summer.
Care
It is recommended that the irrigations from the first days of spring. The care after the plant has been planted is reduced to weeding, carpids and pest control.
A single plantation can be kept in constant production for several years, but this will depend on the care given to each of the plants. Pennyroyal in general are plants that have a medium resistance against pestsThis means that it is not so delicate to suffer attacks from pests but being careless can cause it to be affected by some.
Uses
It is traditionally used for preparation of infusions to be able to fight the symptoms of colds, the symptoms of stomach problems and also for congestion. Currently this practice is still carried out and it has been confirmed that pennyroyal has the ability to stimulate the secretions of the digestive system and also to reduce gastrointestinal spasms.
Finally, and despite the fact that it is in an experimental phase, it has been found that this is a species that has excellent antibiotic capacity.