Petals 5, connate, often bearing appendages that conceal the stamens. Economically important members of the family include ornamental herbs and shrubs. Lamiales A large and cosmopolitan family of 200-212 genera and 3200 species. The family is especially common in the Mediterranean region and in a wide diversity of habitats and at almost all latitudes. Inflorescence of axillary cymes or verticels, sometimes racemiform, paniculiform, headlike or solitary.
Flowers perfect, irregular.
Sepals 5, variously connate, sometimes appearing fewer because of connation. Stamens 2 or 4, distinct, filaments adnate to corolla. The mint family includes many economically important plants. The aromatic oils of some mints are used commercially as flavorings, in pharmacology, or in the perfume industry. Many other members of the family are cultivated.