Mint family
= Family Lamiaceae
Description
A family of herbs and low shrubs, cosmopolitan in distribution, but the largest diversity in the Mediterranean region (Labiatae 1).
The stem is quadrangular, leaves are simple, in opposite pairs, often hairy. Flowers are borne in cymes in the axis of opposite pairs of bracts. The flowers are irregular, with a 5-toothed or 2-lipped calyx and a tubular corolla which is often 2-lipped (Labiatae 2), but occasionally only the lower lip is developed. There are 2 or 4 stamens and a 4-lobed superior ovary which the style inserted between the lobes. The fruit is composed of 4 1-seeded nutlets.
There are about 200 genera.
Use
Many genera are used as flavourings, e.g. mints and sages, because of the aromatic essential oils they contain. Others are cultivated for oils which are used as mild antiseptics, in perfumery and pharmaceutical products.
Described species
Hyssopus officinalis, hyssop
Lavandula officinalis, lavender
Mentha piperita, peppermint
Mentha spicata, spearmint
Melissa officinalis, balm or lemon balm
Ocimum basilicum, basil
Origanum majorana, marjoram
Origanum vulgare, oregano, see Origanum majorana
Pogestemon patchouli, patchouli
Rosmarinus officinalis, rosemary
Salvia officinalis, sage
Satureja hortensis, summer savory
Satureja montana, see Satureja hortensis
Thymus vulgaris, thyme