Cover

Abstract

On the cover

Mint (Mentha spp.) is a commercially important herb. In Southeast Asia, mints are widely used for culinary and medical purposes, and many have been locally maintained (upper left, Tiền Giang, Vietnam). Fresh mints are popular in the markets (upper right, Sơn La, Vietnam) and are served as a garnish in restaurants (lower left, Điện Biên, Vietnam). However, the species of Southeast Asian mints are poorly distinguished. In this issue, we present a collection of Southeast Asian mints, which have been classified using SSR markers and leaf morphology (lower right) (This issue, p. 181–187).

(N. Kubo: Kyoto Prefectural University, photo by Y. Nakamura and Y. Fukui)