Lamiaceae
(Mint Family)
Asterid Eudicots
Leaf
-
Usually simple (but might be pinnately lobed)
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​Opposite and decussate. Each pair of leaves is rotated 90° from the above/below pair
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Strong and aromatic oils are often present in the leaves
Sepals
(Calyx)
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Sepals feud into a tubular
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5 lobes
Petals
(Corolla)
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Corolla fused into a tubular shape
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Usually irregular, bilaterally symmetrical
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“two-lipped” flowers: Distinct upper and lower lips
​Stamens
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Usually 4 stamens
-
Often didynamous (two long, two short)
Pistil
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2 fused carpels
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Deeply 4-lobed ovary (forms 4 nutlets)
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Gynobasic style (style arises from the base between the lobes)
Ovary
-
Superior ovary
Fruits
-
4 nutlets (from the deeply 4-lobed ovary)
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Dry and indehiscent
-
Persistent calyx often remains around the fruit
Photos
Petals
-
Corolla fused into a tubular shape
-
Usually irregular, bilaterally symmetrical
-
“two-lipped” flowers: Distinct upper and lower lip
Lavender
Work Cited
Bell, Emily. “Family Profile: Lamiaceae.” Florida Wildflower Foundation, 8 May 2025, www.flawildflowers.org/lamiaceae/.
“Family: Lamiaceae - Mint Family.” Native Plant Trust: Go Botany, gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/family/lamiaceae/. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
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Flowering Plant Families, Uh Botany, www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/carr/lami.htm. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
Fuller, Daniel. “An Introduction to the Lamiaceae Plant Family: The Mint Family.” Ozbreed Plants, 30 Sept. 2024, www.ozbreed.com.au/lamiaceae-plant-family/.
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“Lamiaceae-Mint.” MonFlora, 27 Aug. 2024, montereywildflowers.com/lamiaceae-mint/.
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“Lamiaceae.” Lamiaceae: Mint Family (Labiatae). Identify Plants and Flowers., wildflowers-and-weeds.com/Plant_Families/Lamiaceae.htm. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
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List of Plants in the Family Lamiaceae | Herbs, Shrubs, Perennials | Britannica, www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-plants-in-the-family-Lamiaceae-2035853. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
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“Mint Family - Mint Family.” Tree Guide UK, www.treeguideuk.co.uk/mint-family/. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
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“Mint Family - Mint Family.” Tree Guide UK, www.treeguideuk.co.uk/mint-family/. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
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“Mint Leaves for Fragrance and Their Benefits .” Annette Thurmon, Annette Thurmon, 21 Mar. 2024, www.azurefarmlife.com/farm-blog/fun-ways-to-use-fresh-mint-leaves.
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Ohio Plants, ohioplants.org/families-lamiaceae/. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
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Ohio Plants, ohioplants.org/families-lamiaceae/. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
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“Pseudanthium.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 July 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudanthium.​