Cunila

Cunila is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. The genus is native to the Americas, with species found in both North and South America. Cunila species are typically small, herbaceous plants, often with aromatic foliage. They are characterized by their opposite leaves and their flowers, which are usually small and white or pinkish, borne in axillary whorls or terminal spikes.

Several species within the Cunila genus are recognized by botanists. Some common examples include Cunila origanoides, commonly known as savory or wild oregano, which is found in eastern North America. This species is known for its fragrant leaves, which have been used historically in traditional medicine and as a culinary herb. Another species, Cunila microphylla, is found in South America.

The genus Cunila is part of the subfamily Nepetoideae within the Lamiaceae family. Plants in this genus are generally adapted to dry, open habitats, such as prairies, savannas, and rocky slopes. Their small stature and often grayish-green leaves are adaptations to arid conditions. Reproduction in Cunila species is primarily through seeds, and pollination is typically carried out by insects. The genus is relatively small, with a limited number of species, but it contributes to the diversity of the Lamiaceae family in its native regions.