@j4gypsy and I had a mission to take a small taste of a #lambsear given we learned recently this plant is part of the #mint family.

Who would have known, huh? 🍃

Following an original post a couple of weeks ago, and considerable discussion with many contributors here on #mastodon, I returned to the public garden the other night to find they were removed from the garden bed. So disappointed!

But this morning I was walking with a friend and spotted a hydrangea to photograph. Walked over, was about to snap away and look what was at the base!

Lambs ears!!

BTW… so soft, like shag-pile velvet 😆

Had a taste! Chomped on a leaf (didn’t swallow!) - and yes, initially I can taste a faint hint of mint… but not much at all. But it’s definitely there.

Then as I chewed tentatively, the taste was overtaken by an earthy, pungent sour taste. Quite overpowering.

So based on my layman’s taste-test, I’m not so sure it’s edible. And not certain if you’d get much aroma as a herbal tea. Unless it’s dried - not so sure. 🤷🏻‍♂️

But anyways, mystery solved (for now)!!

Makes sense to us now why it’s part of the mint family!

I think however, I’ll leave lambs ears to the garden and stick to coffee.

👏👏☕️

#urbanflora #flora #gardening #garden #melbourne #aesthetichedonist #januaryjoy #narrm #victoria #Australia #godmustbeabotanist #makesmehappy