Lamiaceae (Labiatae) The Mint Family
Lamiaceae Ca5 Coz5 A2+2 G2 180 genera/3500 species Distribution worldwide; center of distribution is the Mediterranean region
Herbs w/ opposite leaves, square stems Flowers bilabiate
Androecium of 4 didynamous stamens, Ovary G2, deeply 4-lobed Androecium of 4 didynamous stamens, fused to the corolla
Style gynobasic
Recognition Characters Herbs with square stems Leaves opposite Minty odor (sometimes) Flowers zygomorphic, often bilabiate Ovary 4-lobed; style gynobasic Fruit = nutlet (4)
Economic Importance: Many important culinary herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, savory, thyme Perfumes: patchouli and lavender
Physostegia virginiana Local flora Scutellaria gallericulata skullcap Stachys palustris Marsh hedge nettle Physostegia virginiana obedience
Galeopsis tetrahit, Hemp nettle Satureja vulgaris, Wild basil