A MANUAL OF BOTANY 73 



19. The Lipped ok Labiate Flowers of the Mint 

 Family — Ground Ivy 



The plants. The JVlint family is one of the most natural 

 l)lant groups to be found in the temperate portion of the 

 United States. Square stems, odorous leaves, and two- 

 lipped flowers are special features that are very conspicu- 

 ous, and the student may easily familiarize himself with 

 these prominent characteristics. Nearly all species are late 

 in blooming, and about the only one obtainable in June will 

 be the plant named above. The student may commonly see 

 it growing in deep shade about dwellings, and so learn of 

 its appearance and habits. 



Examine the whole flowering stem. What peculiarity of 

 the stem is apparent ? How are the leaves arranged ? 

 Smell the leaves before and after rubbing them gently. 

 What do you observe? 



Flowers. How are the flowers situated ? What is their 

 size, color, and peculiar form ? In particular, what special 

 features has the corolla ? How many petals are there ? 

 Flowers of this form are labiate, or lipped. Look for the 

 stamens. Where do you find them and how many are 

 there ? What color have the anthers and what is the situa- 

 tion of these structures with reference to the stigma ? Do 

 stigma and anther seem equally mature? Examine the 

 ovary {m). What do you find ? 



Draw, as usual, the flower features. Draw also a flowering 

 stem. 



Uses of mints. Make a table of useful and ornamental 

 plants belonging to this family. There are 3000 kinds. 

 What are the mints of commerce? How is peppermint 

 made ? (See leaf. Applied Work.) 



What are essential oils ? ^Nlake a list of them, and observe 

 the number furnished by this family. Read about. ''men- 

 thol " in your reference books. 



