Classical name.

Perennial aromatic herbs and small shrubs. Leaves opposite, decussate, linear to lanceolate. Flower clusters consisting of few flowers, on 1 side of the stem. Flowers with calyx tubular, 15-veined, with 5 equal teeth. Corolla 2-lipped, upper lip erect, lower lip 3-lobed, the central lobe largest and notched.

Seed and softwood cuttings.

The leaves are used to make a herbal tea and as a peppery food flavouring. Extracts are used medicinally for the relief of bronchial complaints including asthma.An oil extract is used in perfumery.

10 species from C Asia to S Europe.

Shrubs with characteristic smell when crushed and flowers that have protruding stamens with spreading anthers.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Lamiaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.