River Mint, Mentha australis
Image: John Broomfield
Source: Museum Victoria
Poang-Gurk (Djab Wurrung, meaning 'bad smell')
Botanical name: Mentha australis
The leaves can be used in earth ovens to add flavour to cooked food. People also crush the mint and inhale the aroma to treat coughs and colds.
River Mint grows across Australia in wet sclerophyll forests and riparian scrub.
This small spreading herb can grows well in cool, moist areas on the edges of ponds and paths. It also grows in wet soils.