Difference between Patchouli and Mint

1. Leaf Difference

Patchouli is also known as "big-leaf mint". It is obvious from this nickname that the leaves of Patchouli are larger than those of mint.

In addition to comparing the size of the leaves of the two, you can also pay attention to the base of the leaf, which is the part connected to the petiole. The base of the leaves of Patchouli are heart-shaped, and the notch in the heart is relatively shallow. The base of mint leaves is wedge-shaped, or nearly round, without the small "heart"-shaped notch. Another point is that the leaves of Patchouli appear to be wrinkled, while the leaves of mint are smoother.

2. Flower Differences

Although both Patchouli and mint have cymes with many flowers, there are still obvious differences between them. The flowers of Patchouli grow at the "top" of the main stem or side branches, which is called "terminal" in botany. The flowers of Patchouli are densely packed in cylindrical spikes. Mint flowers grow at the junction of leaves and main stem, which is called "axillary". Simply put, the flowers of Patchouli grow on the "top of the head", while the flowers of mint grow in the "armpits".