This family is more commonly known as the celery, carrot or parsley family, or simply as umbellifer. The herbs in this family are flavourful and aromatic and include Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), Levisticum officinale (Lovage), Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) and Anthriscus cerefolium (Chervil).

This family is commonly referred to as the daisy family and contains, for example, Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold), Echinacea (Cone Flowers) and Achillea millefolium (Yarrow). This family is used in herbal infusions, herbal medicines and salads.

Brassicaceae is an economically important family of flowering plants commonly known as the mustards, the crucifers or the cabbage family. They are comprise of annuals, biennials, perennials and herbaceous plants and can be found growing throughout the world.  The important vegetables in this family include, cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale and radish to name a few.  The herbs of this family are Armoracia rusticana (Horseradish), Brassica juncea (Mustard) and Brassica rapa (Mizuna and Purple Flowering Choy Sum).

One of the largest families that is commonly called the mint or dead-nettle family. It includes the most widely used culinary herbs, such as, Origanum (Oregano), Hyssopus (Hyssop), Lavandula (Lavender), Mentha (Mint) and Thymus (Thyme). You can read more about several members of these families in Jekka’s Guides in the "All About Herbs" section.

This amazing family can be found growing throughout the world in the tropics, subtropics and Mediterranean. It contains, trees and shrubs, many of which are important herbs and spices including Syzygium aromaticum, Cloves and Pimenta dioica, All spice. The family takes its name from the shrub Myrtus which is found near the Mediterranean.