Leaves opposite or whorled, simple
Flowers bisexual, zygomorphic. Gynoecium 2-carpellate, falsely 4-locular with basal placentation, style attached to base of lobes (gynobasic)
200 genera, 3200 species
Economic importance: source of aromatic oils (terpenoids), many ornamentals and culinary herbs, some used for medicinal purposes
HERBS
Salvia - sage
Thymus - thyme
Mentha - mint, peppermint, spearmint
Ocimum- basil
Nepeta - catnip
PERFUMES
Lavandula - Lavender
Rosmarinus - Rosemary
ORNAMENTALS
Salvia, Ajuga, Monarda
Diagnostic characteristics: opposite or whorled leaves, square stems, aromatic, gynobasic style. Lamiaceae may be mistaken for members of the Verbenaceae, Schrophulariaceae and Boraginaceae but the gynobasic style, in combination with the square stem, differentiates the Lamiaceae from these families
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