mintfamily

Mintfamily, commonly called the mint family, is the plant family Lamiaceae in the order Lamiales. It includes roughly 7,000 species across more than 250 genera and has a cosmopolitan distribution, with greatest diversity in temperate and Mediterranean regions. Members are predominantly aromatic herbs or shrubs, many bearing square stems and opposite, simple leaves rich in essential oils.

Characteristic flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and usually two-lipped, arranged in inflorescences such as spikes or verticillasters. The fruits are typically four one-seeded nutlets. Common morphological features include glandular trichomes on leaves and stems that produce distinctive scents and flavors, and many species are drought-tolerant or adapted to a wide range of habitats.

Ecology and uses: The family is economically important for culinary herbs and spices, including mint, basil, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, and lavender, as well as for essential oils used in perfumery, medicine, and cosmetics. Many species are cultivated as ornamentals or have become naturalized in suitable climates. In modern classifications, some genera have been redefined; for example, Rosmarinus is often treated within Salvia as Salvia rosmarinus in newer systems, reflecting ongoing revisions in mintfamily taxonomy. The group remains a focal point in horticulture and phytochemistry due to its diverse aromas, flavors, and ecological interactions with pollinators.