THE DEAD-NETTLE FAMILY 
[ORDER LIX. LABIATE] 
HE Dead-Nettle Family is one of the most natural orders in the vegetable kingdom, and 
is easily distinguished by the 2-lipped corolla in conjunction with the fruit of 4 little nuts 
(cocca). The Foxglove and Borage Families have strong points in common, the former having 
usually a 2-lipped corolla but a capsular fruit, and the latter a fruit of 4 little nuts (cocca) but 
a salver-shaped corolla and 5 stamens. Added to those already mentioned the Dead-Nettle 
Family has other characteristics— the flowers are generally apparently clustered in circles (whorls) 
round the square stem, the leaves are opposite, each pair at right angles to its neighbour, both 
stems and leaves are very hairy, and many species are fragrant and aromatic. 
The order is a large one and has a wide distribution, though it thrives best in warm or temperate 
climates. It is abundant in the countries round the Mediterranean. 
It has one great attribute — no one of its species possesses any injurious properties, while 
many are extremely useful. 
Many foreign species are cultivated in greenhouses and gardens. Among others are Patchouli 
and several species of Coleus in houses ; while in our gardens we have Lavender (Lavandula 
veris), Sweet Basil (Ocimum Basilicum), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and Balm (Melissa), 
famous for their delicious scents ; Phlomis and Leonotis, Salvias, Monardas, Dracocephalums, and 
Perillas ; and, as among some of our most aromatic pot-herbs, Sweet Marjorum (Origanum 
vulgare), Garden Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Mint (Mentha viridis), and 
Summer Savoury (Satureia hortensis). Rosemary is largely used in the manufacture of 
Eau de Cologne, and Lavender is grown in certain districts for making into scent. The essential 
oil contained in some Mints, Lavenders, &c., is employed as an antiseptic in dentistry. 
Corolla 2-lipped, and usually 5-lobed. 
Stamens 4, 2 outer longer. 
I. Dead-Nettle (Lamium). Calyx 5-toothed ; upper corolla-lip arched ; stamens included, 
anthers hairy and approaching. 
II. Bastard Balm (Melit'tis). Calyx 2-lipped, inflated; upper corolla-lip straight; stamens 
protruding. 
III. Black Horehound (Ball6ta). Calyx with 5 prickly teeth; upper corolla-lip arched; 
stamens included, anthers approaching. 
IV. Germander (Teu'crium). Upper corolla-lip apparently absent and lower lip apparently 
5-lobed ; stamens protruding, diverging. 
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