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]

HYPTIS

Annual, perennial herb, shrubs, glabrous to densely, generally stellate-hairy
Stems erect to spreading, branched
Leaves generally petiolate
Inflorescences axillary; each cluster ± dense, subtended by leaves or bracts
Flower: calyx generally 5-lobed, lobes equal, acute to long-acuminate; corolla 2-lipped, upper lip 2-lobed, flat, lower lip 3-lobed, central lobe reflexed, ± pouched; stamens 4, fertile, curved, reclining on lower lip, exserted; style lobes ± equal
Fruit: nutlets angled, ridged or smooth
Species in genus: ± 350 species: warm temp, tropical Am
Etymology: (Greek: turned back, from lower lip position)
Some species used for food (seeds), oil, wood, fiber.

Native

H. emoryi Torr.

DESERT-LAVENDER

Shrub 1–3 m
Stem: branches spreading to erect; twigs densely stellate, becoming glabrous
Leaf: petiole 3–7 mm; blade generally ovate to ± round, crenate
Inflorescences: lower subtended by leaves, upper by bracts; bracts << leaves, linear to elliptic; pedicel 1–3 mm
Flower: calyx 4–5 mm, densely stellate, lobes ± acuminate; corolla 5–6 mm, violet
Ecology: Gravelly, sandy washes, canyons, desert scrub
Elevation: < 1000 m.
Bioregional distribution: s Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert
Distribution outside California: Arizona, nw Mexico
Flowering time: Jan–May
Horticultural information: DRN, DRYorIRR: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 &SUN: 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24; DFCLT.