Lamiaceae, a valuable source of medicinal and ornamental plants in the flora of Iran

The Lamiaceae is one of the most important plant families in the flora of Iran, consisting of 46 genera and 410 species of which 165 are endemics. The family includes five subfamilies in Iran; the most important one from the point of species number is Nepetoideae with 27 genera and 243 species. A review on the distribution patterns of endemics reveals that Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari with 43 and Bushehr with 2 endemic species have the highest and the least endemic species. The presence of species decreases towards the center, east and south east of Iran. The Lamiaceae as medicinal and aromatic plants contain important constituents as terpenoids, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds, steroids, iridoid glycosides, and fatty acids. Horticulture and landscaping are other uses of these plants. They are used as ground cover, annual perennials and ornamental shrubs. The Lamiaceae plants like other plants in Iran are threatened by human and natural factors, but the Lamiaceae faces double pressure because of being harvested as medicinal plants from the natural habitats. Based on a survey on geographical distribution pattern of the species, it is understood that 68 species of the mint family in Iran are present only in a single habitat, which means that any habitat damage may threaten these species.