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The internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrlTS) from 43 species of Nepeta and representatives of closely related genera (Lallemantia, Dracocephalum and Agastache) and outgroups (Lavandula, Stachys, Newcustelia and Prostanthera) were sequenced. Parsimony analysis indicated that Nepeta is monophyletic and composed of five major monophyletic groups, most of which comprise species belonging to more than one section in previous classifications. These five Glades are composed of: (1) sect. Spartonepeta; (2) sects. Macronepeta + Spicatae; (3) sects. Nepeta + Micranthae p-p. + Oxynepeta + Schizocalyx + Macrostegiae; (4) sects. Capituliferae + Denudatae + Micranthae p.p. + Micronepeta p.p.; and (5) sect. Psilonepeta. The phylogenetic relationships among species of these groups are congruent with the distribution of some floral characters, including corolla shape, bract texture, color and pollen exine ornamentation.

The Iranian species of Nepela were investigated as part of a phylogenetic study of the genus. The relationships among species revealed the status of some taxa including three new species. The new species are recognized bydifferences in morphology as well as molecular characters. Nepeta balouchestanica, N. mahanensis, and N. hormozganica are described as new and their relationships with closely related taxa discussed.

Lectotypes are proposed for the basionyms of two taxa widely known under the designation of, e.g., Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi subsp. nepeta and subsp. glandulosa (L.) P. Ball, and also for Calamintha officinalis Moench (Melissa calamintha L.) usually treated as synonymous to the latter. New morpho-anatomical and phytochemical studies suggest, however, that these are seasonal morphs rather than discrete taxa and that they do not deserve recognition, not at any rate at a supra-varietal level.