Verdiaceae

Verdiaceae is a historical name used in some botanical classifications for a family of flowering plants within the order Lamiales. In modern taxonomy, Verdiaceae is not recognized as a separate family. The genera that were once placed in Verdiaceae are generally treated as part of Verbenaceae, or otherwise reorganized in Lamiales by contemporary systems such as APG IV.

Taxonomic history and composition: The circumscription of Verdiaceae has varied among authors. Molecular phylogenetics supports placing the included genera in Verbenaceae, and most modern references do not employ Verdiaceae as a separate family. Verbenaceae is a cosmopolitan family that comprises a number of genera of shrubs, herbs, and small trees, many of which produce aromatic compounds. Notable genera that help illustrate the group include Verbena, Lantana, and Duranta. The group is common in tropical and subtropical regions.

Notes: The usage of Verdiaceae as a formal family has diminished in contemporary references; consult current classifications (for example APG IV) for the accepted circumscription. For comparison, Verbenaceae encompasses many familiar garden plants, such as verbena and lantana.