Low menthol mint plant Mentha spicata L. `Erospicata`

Abstract

A novel Mentha spicata mint plant characterized by its resistance to verticillium wilt and mint rust, and an essential oil with a relatively low l-menthol content and high menthone content. The oil, which has at most only minor amounts of piperitone and l-carvone, is characterized by peppermint-like taste and a hot odor.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of a disease-resistant mint plant, substantially as shown and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by its production of an oil with a relatively low l-menthol content and high menthone content, when compared to the oil of its Mentha spicata parent, and at most only minor amounts of piperitone and l-carvone, said oil having a peppermint-like taste and a hot odor.