Agonis Flexuosa Peppermint Willow

Flexuosa Definition - What is Flexuosa?

Flexuosa is a Latin word for 'full of bends' referring to the nature of the tree's trunk on the outside. It's used to refer to a group of trees with exact characteristics such as Agonis flexuosa.

Agonis flexuosa

Also known as Swan River peppermint, Western Australia peppermint, willow myrtle or just peppermint, it's a tree species native to Western Australia to the south west. The tree has a habit of weeping, hence its willow myrtle name.

The Noongar people, native Australians living in the south-west part of the country, refer to the tree as Wonong, Wanil, Wannang or Wonnow. It's easily recognizable in WA and the most popular of all tree species under the Agonis genus. In Perth, it's grown on the verges of roads and in parks.

Agonis is a genus whose name is borrowed from the Greek word 'agon', meaning a cluster. It refers to the manner flexuosa fruits are arranged on the tree.

Agonis flexuosa Description

Agonis flexuosa plant is a small, but strong tree. It grows up to 10 to 15 meters in height. The tree's leaves are light green, narrow and long (grow up to 150 mm in length) while the bark is brown and fibrous. The axes sprout small, white inflorescence flowers that grow in groups or clusters.

From a distance, the trees resemble a weeping willow because they tend to grow in a weeping way. Torn or crushed leaves smell like peppermint. Its hard fruit capsule can grow up to 3 or 4 mm in diameter and feature 3 valves responsible for housing tiny Agonis flexuosa seeds.

Agonis Flexuosa Cultivation

The tree thrives in sandy soils, including dunes and limestone heaths in temperate climates. They're often grown in areas where trees are grown in masses such as gardens and along streets. How fast does Agonis flexuosa grow? It grows fast and requires enough space if it's to be grown in yards.

Dwarf Pink Agonis Flexuosa 'Nana' Cultivar

The trees also have a spiral or twist effect on the stems or trunks. They flower from August to December. Some Agonis flexuosa species can be pruned and if grown in terraced or rocky terrains, the trees develop buttress roots.

Agonis flexuosa Uses

A. flexuosa leaves have antiseptic properties and can be grown as ornamental trees in spacious gardens or yards.

Other Flexuosa Species

• Deschampsia flexuosa (bunchgrass)
• Vitis flexuosa (liana, a plant in the grape family)
• Erysiphe flexuosa (a pathogen of plants)
• Scutellastra flexuosa (sea snail)
• Grevillea flexuosa (a shrub)
• Nana flexuosa
• Xylosma flexuosa (a willow family flowering plant)

Got Enough Space in Your Yard or Garden to Grow a Flexuosa Tree?

Whether you want to grow Agonis flexuosa peppermint trees for their antiseptic properties or as ornamental trees, you can grow them at home in your yard or garden. Just make sure there's enough space for the tree because it tends to grow bigger as it matures.

Check out our Planters and Raised Beds to start your Agonis flexuosa seeds before transplanting them to your yard or garden.