Mint family
Mint Family (Lamiaceae)
The Mint family or Lamiaceae (pronounced la-mi-aa-ce-ae) is a family of flowering plants. The name is derived from the type genus, Lamium. It is commonly referred to as the mint, or deadnettle family.
Etymology
The family name "Lamiaceae" is derived from the genus Lamium, the Latin name for a group of plants commonly known as deadnettles. The common name "mint family" comes from the inclusion of the mint genus, Mentha, within this family.
Description
Members of the Lamiaceae family are characterized by their square stems and opposite leaves. The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and usually have both male and female parts. The family includes many commonly known herbs, such as basil, rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, lavender, and of course, mint.
Taxonomy
The Lamiaceae family is part of the order Lamiales. It includes about 236 genera and has been estimated to contain about 7,000 species. The family is distributed nearly worldwide, and many species are cultivated for their aromatic leaves and attractive flowers.
Uses
Many species in the Lamiaceae family are important for their essential oils that are used in perfumery and traditional medicine, such as peppermint and spearmint. Some are used as culinary herbs, including basil, rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme. Others are cultivated as ornamental plants, such as lavender and various kinds of mint.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mint family
- Wikipedia's article - Mint family
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