Twisted Mint

Botanist Findings:

Without a native climate, the invasive species Twisted Mint is only kept in check by the Yellow Crested Squab in the south and Wild Red Squab in the north. The squab is immune to the plant's effects, thus its diet is mostly the sweet but prickly plant. As it blooms year around the squab's migratory pattern follows bloom, leading to the Elven phrase, 'like a squab chasing mint'.
The mint is quite easily recognizable and harvestable as the plant can be uprooted from its base with a simple pull, the biggest drawback is the high addictiveness of the plant both in its raw and processed forms. A chemical compound not found in any other species or plant on Espen provides short-term benefits and a minty taste but as entire towns and economies have been ruined by this addiction most avoid it.

Horticultural Findings:

There is little market or resale value for this particular species of mint. As such, the risks outweigh the rewards for many farmers as Twisted Mint is considered an invasive species. Native to the Isle of Sky the plant nearly took over the entire island choking out all other vegetation. The Goblins with no other options burned 94% of the island until no remnant of the plant remained. Unbeknownst to them, a merchant vessel managed to leave the island with several live plants. Since then, the penalty for bringing Twisted Mint back to the island is a 5,000 GP fine.
Mainlanders are notably wary of this plant as well. To date, no farm is committed to farming it en masse as the only thing keeping it in check is the Squab population. Appearing darker green than its traditional counterpart and of course, with its recognizable helical leaf formation, Twisted Mint makes for a fairly notable garnish and a wonderful addition to a bouquet.

Herbalism:

Twisted Mint can be dried and worked into dough or set into hard candies. The process requires a kitchen and a trained cook. Though it is highly technical, it is not time-consuming. It can also be eaten raw as a stimulant, which is why many militaries issue it to their soldiers along with their rations.