Black thyme, Za'atar hommar, Donkey hyssop
Thymbra spicata
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
A small, low growing shrub. It grows 55 cm high. The leaves are smooth and narrow. The leaves overlap. They are entire and about 1.3 cm long. The flowers are pink to mauve. They are in spikes up to 10 cm long.
There are 2 or 3 Thymbra species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows on sunny slopes. It suits plant hardiness zone 8.
Countries/locations it is found in
Europe, Greece, Israel, Mediterranean, Middle East, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The leaves are occasionally used as a condiment in salads and other dishes. They are dried and crushed. The leaves are used to flavour herbal cheeses. They are also used for tea drinks.
Edible parts
Leaves, spice, leaves - tea
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed or by cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Cahter, Cehteri, Seyil kekigi, Zahter, Zehter