Grown in the Andes from the marigold family. The name is derived from the Quechua language, and is sometime called Peruvian black mint, menta negra or zuico. A strong, aromatic herb, leaves are made into a condiment or cooked into a sauce. More pungent then most in the mint family, some think it a fusion of basil, spearmint and tarragon. It is used medicinally as well.