TREATMENT FROM THE JEPSON MANUAL	previous taxon | next taxon Jepson Interchange (more information)
	©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California Print edition is available from the University of California Press

	The second edition of The Jepson Manual (2012) is available from the University of California Press
	See also the Jepson eFlora, which parallels the Second Edition

LAMIACEAE

MINT FAMILY

Dieter H. Wilken, except as specifed

Annual, perennial herb, shrub, glabrous to hairy, generally aromatic
Stems generally erect, generally 4-angled
Leaves generally simple to deeply lobed, opposite, generally gland-dotted
Inflorescence: cyme, generally clustered around stem, head-like, separated by evident internodes (terminal in Monardella ) or collectively crowded, spike-like to panicle-like (sometimes raceme or flowers 2–12); subtended by leaves or bracts; flowers sessile or pedicelled
Flower generally bisexual; calyx generally 5-lobed, radial to bilateral; corolla generally bilateral, 1–2-lipped, upper lip entire or 2-lobed, ± flat to hood-like, sometimes 0, lower lip generally 3-lobed; stamens generally 4, generally exserted, paired, pairs unequal, sometimes 2, staminodes 2 or 0; ovary superior, generally 4-lobed to base, chambers 2, ovules 2 per chamber, style 1, arising from center at junction of lobes, stigmas generally 2
Fruit: nutlets 4, generally ovoid to oblong, smooth
Genera in family: ± 200 genera, 5500 species: worldwide. Many cultivated for herbs, oils (Lavandula , lavender; Mentha , mint; Ocimum , basil; Rosmarinus , rosemary; Thymus , thyme), some cultivated as ornamental (in CA Cedronella , Leonotis , Phlomis )
Reference: [Cantino & Sanders 1986 Syst Bot 11:163–185]

ACANTHOMINTHA

THORNMINT

James D. Jokerst

Annual, hairy or not, aromatic
Stem erect, branched or not
Leaf lanceolate to obovate, entire to spiny, petioled
Inflorescence: clusters, head-like, terminal and generally axillary; bracts generally scarious, veins conspicuous, margins spiny
Flower: calyx 2-lipped, lobes spine-tipped, upper 3 acuminate, lower 2 oblong; corolla funnel-shaped, 2-lipped, white, sometimes tinged lavender or rose, throat cream, upper lip 2-lobed or entire, hooded, lower lip 3-lobed, reflexed; stamens 4, upper 2 reduced, sterile or not; style slender, lower lobe longer
Fruit smooth, ovoid
Species in genus: 4 species: s CA-FP
Etymology: (Greek: thorn mint)

Native

A. obovata Jeps.

Stem 4–25 cm, generally branched below; hairs 0 to sparse, short or long, some inconspicuously glandular
Leaf: blades 8–12 mm, ovate or obovate; margins of lower entire or serrate, of those in inflorescence spiny
Inflorescence: bracts 7–15 mm, shiny, straw-colored at flower, marginal spines 7, 9, or 11, 5–8 mm
Flower: calyx 7–13 mm, hairs short or long, sometimes glandular; corolla 12–27 mm, white, lobes purple-tipped, upper lip < lower, entire, shallowly hooded; upper stamens fertile, anthers long-hairy, cream, pollen cream
Chromosomes: n=19
Ecology: Grassy slopes, oak woodland, chaparral
Elevation: < 1500 m.
Bioregional distribution: South Coast Ranges, w&c Western Transverse Ranges.Like A. duttonii.

Native

subsp. obovata

SAN BENITO THORNMINT

Stem: hairs short or long, some inconspicuously glandular
Inflorescence: bracts generally longer than wide, obtuse or truncate at base
Flower: calyx hairs short or long, some glandular; anthers moderately woolly
Ecology: Habitats and elevations of sp.
Bioregional distribution: Inner South Coast Ranges (San Benito, Monterey cos.).