What is the difference between Cuban oregano and mint? A quick guide to tell them apart

1. In terms of genus

They both belong to the Lamiaceae plant family, so they appear somewhat similar. However, their genera are different. The first plant belongs to the genus Plectranthus; the second plant belongs to the genus Mentha. Because of this difference, they differ in many characteristics, which also allows us to distinguish them.

2. In terms of appearance

(1) Leaves: Here we mainly discuss the shape of their leaves. The leaves of the first plant are mostly ovate, with serrated edges. The leaves of the second plant are mostly lanceolate, or round-lanceolate, and some are slender and round. Moreover, the first plant has fine hairs on its surface, and they are very obvious. You can look at their pictures: the first two are Cuban oregano, and the last two are mint, and it is easy to tell.

(2) Flowers: First is color. The former mostly blooms white flowers, while the latter mainly blooms light purple flowers. In addition, compared with the latter, the former's flowers give off a sweet fragrance, as we can tell just from its name "pengpengxiang" (touch-me-and-it-smells).

3. In terms of distribution areas

The first is native to the tropics, and is more widely distributed in Africa, Europe, and southwestern Asia, but less so in China. However, the second plant is mainly found in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and is very widely distributed in China, grown almost everywhere.