Verbenaceae

Vervain Family

Family Description

This group of dicotyledonous herbs, shrubs and occasionally trees is found in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. There are from 75-100 genera and up to 3000 species, depending on the classification system used. Plants frequently have square twigs. Leaves are mostly simple, opposite or sometimes whorled, and without stipules. Flowers are mostly 5¬merous, bisexual, tubular and zygomorphic and borne in spikes, cymes or racemes. Flowers are salverform or occasionally bilabiate. Typical flower color is blue, yellow or orange, but all colors occur. The style is solitary and unbranched, an important diagnostic element separating it from the Lamiaceae which have a terminally forked style. The fruit typically is a drupe or a solitary, dry nutlet. In the Lamiaceae there are 4 nutlets produced per flower.

The main identifying features of this family are:

• opposite leaves
• zygomorphic flowers produced in terminal spikes.

The Vervain family is easily grown in sunny sites with moderate soil fertility. Members usually posses good heat and drought tolerance. Propagation is easy by cuttings, division or seeds. Seeds are difficult to germinate, requiring 80°F temperatures and careful attention not to use saturated or waterlogged soil for germination. Whiteflies are serious pests. Perennial species are not usually long-lived in the garden.

This family includes the tropical tree species from which teak lumber, the wood of choice where exposure to water is anticipated. Important garden genera include Callicarpa, Caryopteris, Clerodendrum, Congea, Diostea, Holmskioldia, Lantana, Oxera, Phyla, Stachytarpheta, Tectona, Verbena, and Vitex

Representative Species

LSU Horticulture Department Julian C. Miller Hall Baton Rouge, LA 70803 225.578.2158