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peppermint tree

PostPosted: Fri 18 Jun, 2010 2:07 pm
by simmo
Hi all ,
can anyone help me on this,years ago i was bushwalking and i brushed past a tree i think it was a peppermint tree
but im not sure.
the reason i ask is i had a drink and wiped my lips and they went num :oops:
later on down the track as years went by i hear of people talking about a tree that act's like an anaesthetic or a numing agent.
I would like members help and ideas on this one. :D
Cheers Simmo

Re: peppermint tree

PostPosted: Fri 18 Jun, 2010 2:13 pm
by Son of a Beach
I've not heard of this before. There is the Eucalyptus nicolii (Peppermint Gum) which has a eucalyptus/peppermint fragrance, but I don't think it has any numbing effects.

Re: peppermint tree

PostPosted: Sat 19 Jun, 2010 12:36 am
by johnw
Could it be Tasmannia lanceolata - Mountain pepper? From the detailed description it seems like a possible fit:
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Attachments/LJEM-7CV7BN/$FILE/Tasmannia%20lanceolata%20Notesheet.pdf

"The berries initially have a sweet taste, which is closely followed by an intense pungency (which does not last), giving way to a sensation of numbness."
"Research on this species has revealed that the polygodials present in mountain pepper have unique anti-microbial and antifungal properties."

Re: peppermint tree

PostPosted: Sat 19 Jun, 2010 6:40 am
by simmo
im not sure John but i think your on the right track .like i said it was a long time ago at least 20 years.
opps now that starting to make me old.
thanks for your Help on this one john.
Cheers Simmo