LAMIACEAE (Labiatae) - Mint Family

Herbs with square stems and aromatic oils

Leaves opposite or whorled, simple

Flowers bisexual, zygomorphic. Gynoecium 2-carpellate, falsely 4-locular with basal placentation, style attached to base of lobes (gynobasic)

200 genera, 3200 species

Economic importance: source of aromatic oils (terpenoids), many ornamentals and culinary herbs, some used for medicinal purposes

HERBS

Salvia - sage (Photograph) (Illustration)
Thymus - thyme (Photograph) (Illustration)
Mentha - mint, peppermint, spearmint (Photograph) (Illustration)
Ocimum- basil (Photograph)
Nepeta - catnip

PERFUMES

Lavandula - Lavender (Photograph) (Illustration)
Rosmarinus - Rosemary (Photograph) (Illustration)

ORNAMENTALS

Salvia, Ajuga, Monarda

Medicinal uses - members of the Lamiaceae produce a wide array of aromatic compounds (terpenoids), and they have been used for a number of medicinal purposes including relief of stomach aches, gas, and diarrhea. Mints also have antibacterial and antiviral properties; commercial antiviral preparations are available in Germany.

Diagnostic characteristics: opposite or whorled leaves, square stems, aromatic, gynobasic style. Lamiaceae may be mistaken for members of the Verbenaceae, Schrophulariaceae and Boraginaceae but the gynobasic style, in combination with the square stem, differentiates the Lamiaceae from these families.