Pennyworth plants

 A friend of mine mentioned that Pennyworth/Pennyworthy plants are good for
keeping away mozzies.

I cannot find what they look like except one possible Google pic, and I
think I may have some, but would like your advice please. Maybe someone
knows where there is/are more pics of this plant.

It looks to be a broad leaf low one. Mine has runners as it can take over a
whole garden if you let it. I brought back a piece from W'gong near the
sea/sand some years back, so I don't know what it is called.

Thanks in advance
Katherine

 I did more searching - could have been Pennywart my friend was talking
about.

Katherine
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They look like native violets without the flowers.

 What chance you are talking about Pennywort - in other words drop the
H, and look at Google images.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennywort

The arthritis herb is the commonest one people seem to go on about

Linda

 
Hi Katherine. I can't say I've heard of Pennywort having any deterrent
effect on mozzies, not unless you swat them with a handful of the herb.

Perhaps it's Pennyroyal that your friend was thinking of? Pennyroyal has
a cool peppermint scent when you bruise its leaves. It is a low-growing
spreading herb, with tiny leaves compared with the 'wort.

Pennywort has no odour, so I doubt it would have any repellant effect.
Only plants with odour affect insects, apart from the carnivorous ones.
As you note, sandy coastal soil is an ideal spot for pesky Pennywort.

Undoubtedly, it's Pennyroyal that you should be looking out for; but
remember, you have to bruise the leaves before it releases its oil and
chases the mozzies. You can arrange this by growing it in the cracks
between pavers in your garden path, so your shoes crush it as you walk
around.

You'll still need the Aerogard though!
--
John Savage                  (my news address is not valid for email)