Lemon-scented thyme
Micromeria biflora

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It grows to about 20 cm high. It has a woody rootstock. It has many stems. The leaves do not have stalks. The leaf blades are 4-6 cm long by 2.5-3 mm wide and oblong. They are dotted with glands. The flowers are pink or white. They occur as one to four flowers together. The fruit is a nutlet. It is reddish-brown and smooth.

There are about 70-100 Micromeria species.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 600-4000 m altitude. It grows in open places. In China it grows in the southern regions between 2000-2500 m altitude. It grows on hilly grasslands on limestone.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Bhutan, China, East Africa, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Iran, Kenya, Middle East, Myanmar, Nepal, NW India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves and flowers are dried and used for tea. The leaves and flowers are used to flavour lentil soup. The leaves are used to flavour chicken, fish and other foods. The essential oil is used for flavouring liqueurs. The leaves are also brewed into a tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, leaves, flowers - flavouring

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. They can also be grown by division or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

African savory, Buchke ghans, Engoloshoo, Indian wild thyme, Jiang wei cao, Lemon savory, Ote buda ba

Synonyms

Thymus biforus Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don; Satureia biflora Briquet; Satureia cavaleriei H.Leveille;