Mint: Sucker, Runner, Stolon or Rhizome?

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SUMMARY

Mint (Mentha arvensis) primarily reproduces through lateral stems, which can be classified as either rhizomes or stolons, depending on the specific species. While some sources, including a teacher's perspective, categorize mint as a sucker, this is a misinterpretation of the terminology. The distinction lies in the fact that suckers refer to the daughter plants produced from nodes on a parent stolon, while runners are the stolons that produce these suckers. Understanding these classifications is essential for accurate identification and cultivation of mint.

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  • Understanding of plant morphology and terminology
  • Familiarity with vegetative reproduction methods in plants
  • Knowledge of the genus Mentha and its characteristics
  • Basic gardening skills for growing mint
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  • Research the differences between rhizomes, stolons, suckers, and runners in plant biology
  • Learn about the specific sub-species of Mentha arvensis and their growth habits
  • Explore techniques for cultivating mint in various environments
  • Investigate the vegetative reproduction methods of other common garden plants
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Botanists, horticulturists, gardeners, and anyone interested in understanding plant reproduction and the specific growth habits of mint species.

Mandavi
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Does Mint(Mentha arvensis) come under the category of sucker or runner or stolon or rhizome?

In one of my books,it says,"In plants like mint and jasmine a slender lateral branch arises from the base of the main axis and after growing aerially for some time arch downwards to touch the ground."
My teacher,on the other hand says,Mint is an example of a sucker,just like Chrysanthemum.He is pretty sure.


I searched on the net.In wikipedia,it says rhizome and runners under the genus Mentha,but there is no sign of a sucker or even a stolon.
So what is correct?Please help!
 
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I've heard many of these terms used interchangeably in common usage. However there are distinctions between them. To find out, I recommend looking up each term individually. It would be useful to grow some mint yourself (preferably outside over 1-2 seasons) and see if it behaves according to the term you've chosen.
 
I think the genus information may be confusing you. All species in the mint genus reproduce vegetatively by lateral stems- whether this stem is a rhizome (underground) or a stolon (aboveground) depends on the individual species. Also, it looks like Mentha arvensis has a number of sub-species, just to complicate things.

Does Mint(Mentha arvensis) come under the category of sucker or runner or stolon or rhizome?

The term stolon refers to lateral stem itself
The terms sucker and runner are used when you are talking about vegetative (asexual) reproduction- a sucker is the 'plantlet' or daughter plant that is produced from a node on the parent stolon. A runner is the term used for a sucker-producing stolon.
 

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