Annual or perennial herbs or subshrubs, usually strongly aromatic, sometimes fleshy. Leaves opposite, sometimes alternate. Inflorescences of spikes forming panicles. Bracts small, often red-tinged, glandular. Calyx ± equally 5-fid to markedly 2-lipped, circumscissile usually below the middle. Corolla often showy, 2-lipped, violet, purple, blue or white; upper lip 4-lobed, less often entire or 2- or 3-lobed. Lower lip usually entire and boat-shaped. Style 2-lobed. Nutlet somewhat elongated. Worldwide: 43 species in tropical and warm Africa Zimbabwe: 7 taxa. |
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