Practical
Plants

Micromeria biflora

Lemon Scented Thyme

a perennial member of the Micromeria genus in the family Labiatae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Labiatae
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.2 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The flowers and leaves are used as a tea[4]. A powder of the dried flowers and leaves is used as a flavouring in lentil soups and curries[4].

Product or use
Tea
Product or use
Condiment

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A paste of the root is pressed between the jaws to treat toothache[4]. The plant is rubbed and the aroma inhaled to treat nose bleeds[4]. A paste of the plant is used as a poultice to treat wounds[4]. The juice of the plant is taken internally and also inhaled in the treatment of sinusitis[4].

Product or use
Odontalgic
Product or use
Vulnerary
Product or use
Antiseptic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The plant is burnt as an incense[4].

Product or use
Incense

Environment

Range
E. Asia - from Afghanistan throuth the Himalayas to Bhutan and Myanmar.
Habitat
Open places at elevations of 600 - 4000 metres in Nepal[4].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers an open position in a well-drained soil[1]. Succeeds in poor soils[3]. Requires a sunny position[2].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

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  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩

  4. Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6

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