Lemon Scented Thyme (Micromeria biflora)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
Prefers an open position in a well-drained soil.
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 their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Basal cuttings in early summer. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Division of the rooted prostrate stems in the spring.
Edible uses
The flowers and leaves are used as a tea. A powder of the dried flowers and leaves is used as a flavouring in lentil soups and curries.
Medicinal uses
A paste of the root is pressed between the jaws to treat toothache. The plant is rubbed and the aroma inhaled to treat nose bleeds.
Material uses
The plant is burnt as an incense.
Habitat
Open places at elevations of 600 - 4000 metres in Nepal.
Native range
E. Asia - from Afghanistan throuth the Himalayas to Bhutan and Myanmar.