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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - raw or cooked[1]. A peppery flavour, they are used mainly as a flavouring for cooked dishes, especially beans, but are also used as a garnish for salads etc[2]. They have a stronger flavour than summer savory (S. hortensis)[1]. The leaves can be used fresh or dried[2].

Unknown part

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Satureja spicigera.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The whole herb, and especially the flowering shoots, is antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, digestive, expectorant and stomachic[3][4][5][6]. Taken internally, it is said to be a sovereign remedy for colic and a cure for flatulence[3], whilst it is also used to treat nausea, diarrhoea, bronchial congestion, sore throat and menstrual disorders[1]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[1]. A sprig of the plant, rubbed onto bee or wasp stings, brings instant relief[3]. The plant is harvested in the summer when in flower and can be used fresh or dried[1].

The essential oil forms an ingredient in lotions for the scalp in cases of incipient baldness[4].

An ointment made from the plant is used externally to relieve arthritic joints[4].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in April in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination can be slow and erratic[7] but usually takes place within a month[K]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. It is usually possible to plant out into their permanent positions during the summer, but if the plants have not grown sufficiently, or if you live in an area of cold winters, it might be best to grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year[K].

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm taken at a node, July/August in a frame. Pot up in autumn and overwinter in a frame, planting out in late spring or early summer of the following year. A high percentage usually succeed[8]. Cuttings of young wood, preferably with a heel, April/May in a frame[7][9]. Plant out in the summer if the plants grow well, otherwise overwinter them in a cold frame and plant out in late spring or early summer of the following year[K].

Division in early spring as growth commences[8][10]. This works best if soil has been mounded up into the bottom 20cm of the plant early in the previous summer[8]. Pot up the divisions and grow them on in a cold frame until they are established. Plant them out in the summer.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Satureja spicigera. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

An easily grown plant when given suitable conditions, it prefers a well-drained poor stony soil[3][5][11][12] and succeeds in a hot dry sunny position[10]. It prefers an alkaline soil[10], though is not too fussy. It is intolerant of soils that remain damp and dislikes shade[10].

Plants are hardy to at least -10°c[10] when grown in suitable conditions, but are less hardy in rich soils or damp conditions[K]. A good bee plant[10]. A good companion plant in the garden, growing especially well with onions and beans[13]. The plant is said to inhibit the germination of certain seeds[14]. Secretions from the seeds can prevent the germination of nearby seeds[13].

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[15].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Satureja spicigera. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Satureja spicigera.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Satureja spicigera
Genus
Satureja
Family
Labiatae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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References

  1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.12.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.2 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.2 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
  9. ? Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (1878-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.410.510.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  11. ? Vilmorin. A. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press ISBN 0-89815-041-8 ()
  12. ? Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn (1980-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.1 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
  14. ? Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
  15. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)

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