Mint LERIKSKA

A New Standard from the Hryshko National Botanical Garden

The 'Lerikska' mint variety, officially registered in Ukraine in 2024, represents a significant achievement in breeding by the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. This variety is a specialized carvone-type mint, specifically developed to meet the rigorous demands of the pharmaceutical industry.

Morphology and Adaptation

Optimized for the Forest-Steppe agro-climatic zone of Ukraine, 'Lerikska' exhibits high growth vigor and a distinct narrow-pyramidal bush habit. Key morphological traits include:

• Strong pubescence on both the central stem and leaf blades, providing natural resilience.
• Very early flowering, which facilitates efficient harvest scheduling.
• Elongated-elliptic leaves with a moderate green intensity and no anthocyanin coloration.

The plant is visually characterized by pale lilac flowers with a distinct, broad lilac pattern on the corolla lip. The moderate thickness and branching of the rhizomes ensure stable crop density, which is essential for industrial-scale production.

Pharmaceutical Application

Unlike common menthol-rich varieties, 'Lerikska' is a carvone-type mint. This chemical profile makes it a valuable raw material for pharmaceutical manufacturing, where specific essential oil components are required. With its successful registration in 2024, this variety offers Ukrainian growers a high-quality, specialized option for cultivation in the Forest-Steppe region.