At the time that I took these photos, I was under the impression that Piloblephis rigida was endemic to Florida, but it appears that it is also known from a couple of locations in Georgia, where it is ranked S1. Piloblephis rigida grows in dry communites such as scrub, sandhills, and pine flatwoods. As with many mints, Wild Pennyroyal has various medicinal uses, including treatment of colds, fevers, and sores; it has also been used to induce vomiting.
You may be thinking, "that sure looks like a Satureja or Clinopodium." In fact, this low shrub is treated by some botanists as Satureja rigida or Clinopodium rigidum.
Nice plant Scott. I have several questions since it's new to me:
ReplyDelete1. It seems unlikely, but are the stems square even though they are woody?
2. Is it aromatic? If so, what does it smell like?
3. Even though its overall range is limited, is it locally frequent where it grows?
Thanks.
Hey Keith. The stems are square, sort of. The older stems are more rounded to somewhat angled, but the younger growth is square-stemmed. The plant is very aromatic. It is said to smell like pennyroyal, which is said to smell like spearmint... and I would agree. It is only known from two counties in Georgia, but is known from nearly every county in peninsular Florida, where it is locally common.
ReplyDeleteI have a specimen if you would like to borrow it sometime.
In fact, the aroma of those I have encountered is that of a very strong peppermint.
ReplyDelete