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Thymbra spicata - L.

Common Name
Family Lamiaceae or Labiatae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry sunny hillsides[50]. High dry meadows in Greece[148].
Range S. Europe - Greece to W. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Thymbra spicata


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Thymbra spicata
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Gidip

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Thymbra spicata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The plant is occasionally used as a condiment[183]. The flavour of its essential oils is similar to those of Origanum syriacum, Thymus capitatus and Satureia thymbra[183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Incense

The plant is used as an incense[148].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils[200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. A good bee plant[148].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey EUROPE: Greece

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Satureja thymbraThyme-Leaved SavoryShrub0.4 6-9  LMHSNM223

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

50200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Turan Bengisu   Fri Jan 18 2008

Dear sir: Thymbra spicata is a highly effective medicine for intestinal worms,particularly ascaris lumbroides.Its oil is still sold by street vendors in the Aegean part of Turkey.Being a physian and experienced the beneficial effects of this plant as child I recomment the issue to be investigated fully.

Turan Bengisu   Fri Jan 18 2008

Analysis of essential oil composition of thymbra spicata Antibacteriel,antifungal and antimycobacteriel activity

   Fri Jan 18 2008

Analysis of essential oil composition of thmbra spicata Antibacteriel,antifungal and anti myucobac

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