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Which types of fruits are most common in the order Lamiales?
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Lamiales
The lilac-pink flowers of the water mint attract butterflies and beetles.
The order Lamiales is characterized by a diversity of fruit types across its various families, though capsular fruits are the most common throughout the order.1
While capsules are prevalent, specific families exhibit distinct fruit structures:
- Lamiaceae (Mint family): These plants typically produce fruits that mature and separate into four nutlets.2
- Verbenaceae (Verbena family): Fruits in this family may split apart, but many species produce berries or drupes, which are characterized by a fleshy outer layer and a stony inner layer.2
In general, the order is noted for its technical and molecular consistency, even as it encompasses a wide range of morphological characteristics across its 24 families.31