THYMBRA CAPITATA

Family and Genus:- See- LABIATAE

Common Names:- Mediterranean thyme

Homotypic Synonyms:- Coridothymus capitatus, Thymus capitatus.

Meaning:- Thymbra (L) An ancient Latin name used by the Roman naturalist and

philosopher Pliny for a savoury, thyme-like plant.

Capitata (L) Growing in a head, head-like.

General description:- Dwarf, somewhat aromatic shrub.

Stems:-

1) 20-50(-150) cm, with ascending to erect woody branches bearing axillary leaf-

clusters (often the only leaves during the dry season).

Leaves:-

1) 10-18 mm, sessile, linear-lanceolate, subtriquetrous, conspicuously glandular-

punctate, with fascicles of smaller leaves in their axils, subglabrous, margins

ciliate.

Flowers:-

1) Inflorescence, oblong-conical.

2) Bracts, c. 6 x 2 mm, imbricate, ovate to lanceolate, greenish, ciliate.

3) Bracteoles, c. 6 mm, similar to the leaves.

4) Calyx, with 20-22 veins, about 5 mm,

a) upper lip, bifid, shorter than the lower.

b) teeth, all ciliate.

5) Corolla, up to 10 mm, purplish-pink.

Key features:-

1) Calyx, 20-22 veined.

2) Leaves, subtriquetrous.

Click here for a glossary of terms used.

Habitat:- A common, often dominant constituent of dry open shrubby vegetation,

dry, rocky and gravellyslopes and flats. 0-600(-1200)m. (occasionally to 2300 m.).

Distribution:- Widespread and common throughout the Mediterranean. Widespread

and common on Crete.

Flowering time:- Late Apr to early Aug.

Photos by:- Steve Lenton