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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Acinos arvensis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Synonyms
A. thymoides. Calamintha acinos. Satureia acinos.
Habitats
Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves.
Edible Uses: Condiment.
The flowering tops are used as a flavouring[4, 177, 183] and in salads[238]. Said to be similar to thyme in odour but milder and more pleasant[183]. The plant is only faintly aromatic and does not really make a very good substitute for thyme[238, K].
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.
Diuretic; Odontalgic; Rubefacient; Stomachic.
Basil thyme was a great favourite of the ancient herbalists, though it is little used medicinally at present[4]. The herb is diuretic, odontalgic, rubefacient and stomachic[4, 61, 238]. The essential oil has been applied externally as a rubefacient, whilst one drop of it put into a decayed tooth is said to alleviate the pain[4]. The plant has also been added to bath water, especially for children, and is said to be a strengthener and nerve soother[4]. The flowering plant is harvested in the summer and is normally used fresh in infusions[238].
Other Uses
The plant makes a good ground cover[244].
Cultivation details
Succeeds in any well-drained soil[244], though it prefers a light well-drained dry soil in full sun[1, 238]. Prefers sandy and alkaline growing conditions[238]. Dislikes shade. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -15°c[238]. A short-lived perennial, but the plants usually self-sow when they are growing in a suitable position[238].
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Propagation
Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. If you have sufficient seed then you could try sowing in situ in April or May. Germination should take place within a month. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Basal cuttings in late spring. Very easy[K].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
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 :
Expert comment
Author
(Lam.)Dandy.
Botanical References
17200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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Subject : Acinos arvensis
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