Introduction The plant genus Mentha L. is well known as a taxonomically complex group belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae Lindl.), subfamily Nepetoideae (2). Mentha gattefossei Maire is native to Morocco, and represents a potential source of valuable essential oil (1). The species is listed in the IUCN Red List of threatened species as Near Threatened (3). The evidence of chloroplast DNA sequences for assessing the phylogenetic relationships in Mentha L. genus suggests that Mentha gattefossei is related to Mentha cervina. For this reason the taxonomical affi liation of this species was established on the basis of literature data and herbarium. Material and methods The research was conducted during 2007-2013 in the experimental fi eld of the collection of medicinal and aromatic plants in the Botanical Garden (Institute) of ASM. The seeds of M. gattefossei were received by the international exchange of seeds with the Botanical Garden from Coimbra, Portugal in 2006. The morphology of the herbarium specimen was described and illustrated on the basis of material collected in the Collection of Medicinal plants in compliance with existing descriptions in the literature. Voucher specimens are lodged in the Herbarium of Botanical Garden (Institute) of ASM (Chisinau). Results and discussions Mentha gattefossei is a perennial, herbaceous plant with more or less elongated, creeping, branched rhizome. Stems simple to slightly branched, at base ascending, up to 20 centimeters high with internodes generally longer than leaves. Leaves are sessile, opposite; leaf blade simple, bright green, glabrous, fl at to slightly convolute, broadly linear to oblanceolate. Verticillasters 15-20-fl owered, globose, are widely spaced; fl oral leaves similar to stem leaves, sessile, recurved, equal or longer than verticillasters. Pedicel is 2-3 mm long. Calyx is tubular, pale green, 2-lipped, dotted with large, globular, golden yellow shining glands. Corolla is funnelform, whitish, and glabrous. Nutlets are obovoid, dry, and smooth. The primary results of investigations showed that the most suitable nutrition space for M. gattefossei is 30x40 cm; the plants develop vigorous branched stems that reach 25-30 cm in height. The most successful method of propagation is by stolons, otherwise this is the most popular and economic method of mint multiplication. The plants positively responded to climatic and soil conditions of the Republic of Moldova; vegetation period takes 136-155 days, fl owering stage lasts 55-60 days. They undergo a complete ontogenetic cycle, which demonstrates high adaptive potential and ex-situ conservation perspective. Conclusions M. gattefossei being a species of global conservation interest it is of great importance not only from medicinal viewpoint but also for ex situ conservation programmes at national and international level. Plants undergo a complete ontogenetic cycle in local conditions, which demonstrates high adaptive potential and ex-situ conservation perspective.