Mother-of-thyme, Serphyllum
Thymus linearis

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It has an aroma. The stems lie down. The twigs are clothed with short, white hairs. The leaves have short stalks. They are opposite. They are 0.5-1.5 cm long by 0.2-0.5 cm wide. They are oval and dotted with glands on both surfaces. The flowers are purplish. They occur in round spikes at the ends of branches.

There may be 300-400 Thymus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 2400-4500 m altitude. It suits cold arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Central Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tibet

How it is used for food

Leaves and flowers are pickled and also used as a spice or condiment. They are also used for a herbal tea. The plant is pounded on a stone slab to soften then mixed with chili powder and salt. The seeds are used to flavour tea.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, spice, leaves - tea, seeds - flavouring

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Akhino, Ascheno, Ghoda marcha, Ghora marcha, Hali, Izbuk, Janglijwan, Mak tok, Marveiy, Marvezay, Thyme, Van ajwain

Synonyms

Thymus himalayicus Ronniger; Thymis quinquecostatus Celakovsky; Thymus serpylim L.;