Lamiaceae

Lamium, name used by Pliny (born about AD 23), Latin lamia an enchanted witch!. This family is also known by the old and alternative name Labiatae. The family now includes some genera that were previously placed in the Verbenaceae. Usually shrubs or herbs, branches frequently 4-angled; leaves simple, opposite or whorled. Distinct calyx and corolla, corolla fused often 2-lipped, stamens 4 fused to the corolla-tube, 2 often sterile. Ovary ranges from deeply 4-lobed to entire, style is gynobasic or terminal; fruit is either 4 dry nutlets or a drupe with 4 pyrenes. Many culinary herbs in this family such as mint.