Japanese thyme
Thymus quinquecostatus
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
A herb. The stems spread sideways. There are shoots without flowers and ones with flowers and there are more of the latter. The flowering branches are crowded and 3-15 cm tall.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in gravelly areas and along riverbanks and seashore dunes from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Central Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Inner Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan
How it is used for food
It is the source of an essential oil used for flavouring.
Edible parts
Leaves - oil, leaves - flavouring
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Bailixiang, Dijiaojiao, Ibuki-jako-so