Acinos rotundifolius

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Acinos rotundifolius is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Not known

S. Europe to Afghanistan in W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The leaves are used as a flavouring with beans etc, and are said to be a substitute for summer savoury, Satureia hortensis, though we prefer that species.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Aphrodisiac, stimulant.

Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.

Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in almost any well-drained soil, doing well in a hot dry soil.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. If you have sufficient seed then you could try sowing in situ in April or May. Germination should take place within a month. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. forminii. A. graveolens. Calamintha exigua. C. forminii. C. graveolens. (Bieb.)Benth.