Limiales

Limiales is an order of flowering plants in the rosid clade, containing a single family, Limiaceae. This family is commonly known as the mint family, and it includes a diverse range of plants, many of which are known for their aromatic properties. The Limiaceae family is characterized by its simple, often aromatic leaves and small, usually four-parted flowers. The order is named after the type genus Limium, which is now considered a synonym of the genus Mentha.

The Limiaceae family is distributed worldwide, with the highest diversity found in the Mediterranean region. It includes both annual and perennial herbs, as well as shrubs and trees. Some of the most well-known members of the Limiaceae family include the mint (Mentha), basil (Ocimum), and lavender (Lavandula). These plants are valued for their culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses.

The Limiales order is further divided into two subfamilies: Menthoideae and Nepetoideae. The Menthoideae subfamily includes the mint and basil, while the Nepetoideae subfamily includes the catnip (Nepeta) and the hyssop (Hyssopus). The Limiaceae family is also notable for its role in pollination, as many of its members are important nectar sources for bees and other pollinators.

In summary, Limiales is an order of flowering plants that includes the mint family, Limiaceae. This family is characterized by its aromatic leaves and small, four-parted flowers, and it is distributed worldwide. The Limiales order is further divided into two subfamilies, and it includes a diverse range of plants that are valued for their culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses.