(Lamiaceae) A large dicotyledonous family, commonly called the mint family, comprising some 3000 species in about 200 genera. Most species are shrubby or herbaceous. Labiates characteristically have stems that are square in cross section and simple leaves in opposite decussate pairs. They are often covered in aromatic hairs and many species, such as mints (Mentha), sage (Salvia officinalis), and thymes (Thymus), are used as pot herbs. The flowers have five petals, which are usually fused into a tube that terminates in two distinct lips (exceptions being the genera Mentha and Lycopus). In many species, such as deadnettles (Lamium), the flowers appear as whorls (* verticillasters ) at each node. In others, such as woundworts (Stachys), the flowers are grouped in spikes. The fruit is a * carcerulus. |
