Lemon Scented Thyme
Micromeria biflora
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Micromeria biflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Open places at elevations of 600 - 4000 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - from Afghanistan throuth the Himalayas to Bhutan and Myanmar.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The flowers and leaves are used as a tea. A powder of the dried flowers and leaves is used as a flavouring in lentil soups and curries.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 2
A paste of the root is pressed between the jaws to treat toothache. The plant is rubbed and the aroma inhaled to treat nose bleeds. A paste of the plant is used as a poultice to treat wounds. The juice of the plant is taken internally and also inhaled in the treatment of sinusitis.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
The plant is burnt as an incense.
Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.
How it is grown
Prefers an open position in a well-drained soil. Succeeds in poor soils. Requires a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Basal cuttings in early summer. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Division of the rooted prostrate stems in the spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist