Mentha cunninghamii, commonly known as Māori Mint, is a perennial herb that can be evergreen or semi-deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to a variety of habitats in New Zealand and the Chatham Islands, including grasslands, open forests, and along stream banks. This plant typically grows from two to twelve inches in length and forms a low, spreading mat. Māori Mint produces small, white flowers from spring to fall, which are modest in appearance but can be quite numerous, creating a delicate display. The foliage is aromatic when crushed, releasing a minty fragrance.

Māori Mint is valued for its ease of cultivation and its use as a ground cover or border plant in gardens. It is also popular for its culinary uses, as the leaves can be used to flavor dishes similarly to other mints. In cultivation, it prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and requires medium amounts of water with well-draining soil to prevent root rot. While it is not known for serious pest or disease problems, it can spread aggressively if conditions are ideal, so gardeners should consider containing its growth to prevent it from overtaking other plants.CC BY-SA 4.0