"John Savage" <rookswood@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:0806230235019.23Jun08$rookswood@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> "jones" <jones@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> writes:
>>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.
>
> 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!
i'm backing that it is pennyroyal o.p. has been recommended, too.
however, it more famously(?) has the reputation for keeping away fleas &
flies (rather than mosquitoes) and bringing about miscarriages.
having said that, it seems that any of the really fragrant herbs have a
reputation to keep away insects of various kinds, so perhaps keeps out
mozzies too. i believe you're supposed to plant it on a step near the door
to facilitate better cru****ng! or something like that.
kylie
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