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]

MARRUBIUM

HOREHOUND

Perennial
Stems generally erect, generally branched, tomentose
Leaves petioled to subsessile, generally ovate to round, crenate or toothed,
Inflorescences generally axillary, each head-like, generally subtended by leaves
Flower: calyx 10-lobed in CA, lobes spreading or recurved, sharp-pointed; corolla 2-lipped, upper lip entire to 2-lobed, lower lip 3-lobed; stamens 4, fertile, lower pair generally > upper pair, included in tube; style included, lobes ± equal
Fruit: nutlet top truncate
Species in genus: 30 species: Eur
Etymology: (Latin: based on ancient Hebrew word for bitter juice)
Some species cultivated for folk medicine, flavorings, some toxic.

Introduced

M. vulgare L.

Stems ascending to erect, 1–6 dm
Leaf: petiole < blade; blade 1.5–5.5 cm, widely ovate to ± round, base rounded to ± lobed, margin crenate
Flower: calyx 4–6 mm; teeth 10, short-soft-hairy; corolla > calyx, lips ± equal
Chromosomes: 2n=34
Ecology: Disturbed sites, generally overgrazed pastures
Elevation: < 600 m.
Bioregional distribution: California Floristic Province, Desert Mountains (uncommon)
Distribution outside California: widespread worldwide; native to Europe
Flowering time: Spring and summer
Formerly cultivated for tea, flavoring.