Pseudocarpidium

Pseudocarpidium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, commonly known as the mint family. The genus was described by Alfred Cogniaux in 1891. Species within Pseudocarpidium are native to South America, particularly Brazil and Bolivia. These plants are typically shrubs or small trees, often found in semi-arid or rocky environments.

The name Pseudocarpidium is derived from Greek, with "pseudo" meaning false and "carpidium" referring to a fruit, suggesting a resemblance to a fruit that is not true. The leaves are usually simple, opposite, and can be aromatic, a characteristic common to many Lamiaceae members. The flowers are often small and may be arranged in inflorescences like spikes or whorls. Their pollination is typically carried out by insects.

Species of Pseudocarpidium are not widely cultivated and have limited economic or ornamental significance. Their ecological role is primarily as part of the native flora in their respective regions, providing habitat and sustenance for local wildlife. Research on Pseudocarpidium is relatively limited, and further studies are needed to fully understand their taxonomy, phylogeny, and chemical properties. The genus is considered to be part of a complex group of genera within the Lamiaceae family, and its exact phylogenetic relationships are still being investigated.