VERBENACEAE - VERVAIN FAMILY
Scientific Description:
Herbs or shrubs. Leaves opposite or verticillate, exstipulate. Inflorescence spicate or cymose-paniculate, bracteate. Flowers hermaphrodite, usually ± zygomorphic. Calyx 2–5-lobed or dentate. Corolla gamopetalous, 4–5-lobed and frequently ± bilabiate. Stamens 4, didynamous, epipetalous. Ovary superior, 2–4-locular, placentation usually axile, ovules (in Turkey) 1 per cell. Style terminal, solitary, capitate or bilobed. Fruit a drupe or of 2–41-seeded nutlets.
Reference:
Davis PH (1982). Verbenaceae,In: Davis PH (ed.), Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 7: 31.
Public Description:
Verbenaceae, commonly known as “vervain family” or “verbena family”, contains trees, shrubs, many of which have an aromatic smell, and found in the tropical region of the world. The memebers of Vervain family are well known for their uses in the traditional medicine with anti-microbial and anti-parasitic properties.Verbana L. (vervain) species are used as ornamental plants. Aloysia citrodoraPaláu (lemon verbena) is grown for its lemon aroma. Lemon verbena leaves are used to add a lemon flavor to fish and poultry dishes, vegetable marinades, salad dressings, jams, puddings, yogurt and beverages.
References:
Anonymous 1 (2016) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbenaceae/Accessed date: 24.11.2016.
Anonymous 2 (2016) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228105836_Folk_Medicinal_Uses_of_Verbenaceae_Family_Plants_in_Bangladesh/Accessed date: 24.11.2016.
