Perennial of the Lamiaceae family, Requien's mint is a species native to Corsica, Sardinia, and a few islands of the western Mediterranean. In its natural habitat, it frequents moist and shaded rocks, cracks in cool stones, stream edges, and mossy soils, at modest altitudes.
It is the smallest of all mints. It forms a creeping and dense carpet, almost prostrate, barely exceeding 1 to 3 cm in height, insinuating itself between stones and perfectly fitting irregular surfaces. The leaves are tiny, round to oval, bright vivid green, borne by very fine filiform branches.
The flowers are lilac, tiny, arranged in whorls along the stems, almost invisible from a distance but clearly present upon close examination.
In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August.
What is most surprising about this lilliputian plant is the striking contrast between its insignificant size and the intensity of its fragrance. At the slightest touch, it releases a pure and powerful menthol aroma, disproportionate to its dimensions, which is unforgettable once encountered.
In cultivation, it requires fresh, well-drained soil, in partial shade or light shade, sheltered from prolonged summer drought. It is used between slabs, in the interstices of moist walls, or as a miniature ground cover in cool rock gardens.
Its hardiness is limited. It withstands temperatures dropping to about -5 to -8 °C, but irregularly depending on winters and the region. It is considered semi-hardy under the French climate, where it may disappear in case of prolonged frost or waterlogged soil in winter. In regions with mild winters, it behaves as a perennial without difficulty. Light winter protection, good drainage, and a sheltered exposure significantly improve its chances of survival.