Botanist Findings:
Without a native climate, the invasive species Twisted Mint is only kept in check by the Yellow Crested Squab. The squab is immune to the plants effects, thus its diet is mostly the sweet but prickly plant. As it blooms year around the squab's migratory pattern follows bloom, leading 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 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:
As there is little market or resale value, and for many the risks outweigh the reward no farm is committed to farming it en masse. The wild population of Twisted Mint, with only one natural predator to keep its numbers in check, hunting squab on the mainland is usually frowned upon.
Appearing darker green than its traditional counterpart and of course there is 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 does require a kitchen and a trained cook. Though the process if highly technical, it is not time consuming. It can also be eaten raw, as a stimulant which is why many militaries issue it to its soldiers along with their rations.
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