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]

MONARDELLA

James D. Jokerst

Annual, perennial herb, ± gland-dotted
Leaves entire to serrate
Inflorescence: heads 1 or more per main stem, sometimes arrayed in spikes or panicles; bracts in 2–3 series (outer series (0)1–2 pairs, ± like leaves, 0–several mm below heads, erect to reflexed; middle series 2–4 pairs, like leaves to papery or leathery, sometimes straw-colored to purple, erect in cup-like involucre to reflexed; inner series 0–few pairs, membranous, linear-lanceolate)
Flower: calyx 5-lobed, generally < 12 mm; corolla white to purple, upper lip erect, 2-lobed, lower lip recurved, 3-lobed; stamens 4; style unequally 2-lobed
Species in genus: ± 20 species: w North America
Etymology: (Latin: small Monarda )
Reference: [Epling 1925 Ann Missouri Bot Gard 12:1–106]
Complex; hybrids common, often outnumbering non-hybrids; head width and bract orientation given for unpressed specimens
Horticultural information: often DFCLT. Many subsp., subspp., or populations have exacting soil requirements.

Native

M. nana A. Gray

Perennial, matted or tufted, rhizomed
Leaf 5–30 mm, ovate, entire, glabrous to hairy
Inflorescence: head 10–35 mm wide; bracts 15–20 mm; outer bracts like leaves or not; middle bracts white, generally rose- or purple-tinged
Flower: calyx 12–20 mm; corolla 15–30 mm, white or cream, sometimes rose-tinged, tube 0.5–1.5 mm wide, cylindric, lobes spreading; stamens barely exserted, anthers < 1 mm
Ecology: Montane forest, chaparral
Elevation: 900–2600 m.
Bioregional distribution: Peninsular Ranges
Distribution outside California: Baja California

Native

subsp. leptosiphon (Torr.) Abrams

SAN FELIPE MONARDELLA

Stem 5–30 cm; hairs 0 or spreading
Leaf 10–30 mm, ovate to round, green; hairs ± sparse, spreading
Flower: corolla cream-yellow, tube 20–25 mm, 1.5–2 X calyx, ± 1 mm wide, lobes spreading, 7–10 mm; stamens slightly exserted
Ecology: Habitats of sp.
Elevation: 1200–1800 m.
Bioregional distribution: c Peninsular Ranges (Palomar Mtns)
Horticultural information: In cultivation.