Lamiaceae
The mints, taxonomically known as Lamiaceae or Labiatae, are a family of flowering plants.
The family has a cosmopolitan distribution. The enlarged Lamiaceae contains about 236 genera and 6,900 to 7,200 species.
The plants are frequently aromatic in all parts and include many widely used culinary herbs, such as basil, mentha, rosemary, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano, thyme, lavender, and perilla. Some are shrubs, trees, such as teak, or rarely vines. Many members of the family are widely cultivated, owing not only to their aromatic qualities but also their ease of cultivation: these plants are among the easiest plants to propagate by stem cuttings.
The original family name is Labiatae, so given because the flowers typically have petals fused into an upper lip and a lower lip. Although this is still considered an acceptable alternative name, most botanists now use the name "Lamiaceae" in referring to this family.
