Lamiaceae (mint) family features

Worldwide 236 genera, 7,534 species, circa 70 species in UK, Don’t confuse with: Scrophulariaceae
family, Verbenaceae family.
Some important members: Mints (Mentha spp.), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris),
Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Self-heal (Prunella
vulgaris), Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederaceae), Black Horehound (Ballota nigra), White Horehound
(Marrubium vulgare), Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare), Betony (Stachys betonica), White deadnettle
(Lamium album), Red deadnettle (Lamium purpurem)
Main medicinal constituents: Monoterpenes (Aromatic oils) Main medicinal actions: Digestive,
antimicrobial.

Flowers:
 Asymmetric (zygomorphic)
 5 fused/united petals
 5 fused sepals to make a calyx
tubes (the green star under the
petals)

Flower arrangement:

 Clusters of single
flowers in whorls
(rings around the stem)

Seeds:
 4 nutlets, that look
like a hot cross bun

Leaves:
 toothed,
 often oval/heart shaped
 often hairy
 aromatic glands

 Leaf arrangement:
opposite,
 decussate leaves

Stem
 Square
 hollow
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