Rock Thyme

Description:

Rock thyme is an herbaceous plant averaging between 40 and 50 centimeters in height. The flowers are hermaphroditic; that is, they have both male and female reproductive systems. According to the Raunkiær system of categorizing life forms, rock thyme is considered to be a chamaephyte, specifically a chamaephyte sufruticosos. The plant has a woody, fuzz-covered stem. Its leaves grow in symmetrical pairs and are connected to the stem by a thin petiole. Their shapes range from ovoid to lanceolates of 5 to 15 millimeters in length. The flowers consist of whorled inflorescences, consisting of clusters of 3 to 8 flowers. They range from 15 to 20 mm in length, and are generally violet in color. Depending on altitude, rock thyme flowers between May and August. Its fruit is schizocarpal, and splits into four equal portions upon reaching maturity.). It is anchored to the ground by a taproot and a network of smaller secondary roots. (Wikipedia)

Habitat:

The plant originates from the mountains of Southern Europe. It is found in open fields, rock fissures, and areas with little fertile soil.

Notes:

Synonyms: Acinos alpinus, Calamintha alpina, Thymus alpinus and Satureja alpina. Common name synonym: Alpine Savory. Greek names: Κλινοπόδιο το άλπειο, Καλαμίνθη η άλπειος, Άκινος ο άλπειος