Conehead thyme

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Other names: Persian-hyssop ,Spanish oregano, Thymbra capitata, Mediterranean Wild Thyme.

IUCN red list status: Least concern

Local status: least concern 
 

Thymus capitatus is a perennial, an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 0.25 meters tall, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, it is commonly known as Persian-hyssop or Spanish oregano. It is native to Mediterranean regions. It has a rising and narrow stem, the leaves are green and dotted and can reach up to 12 mm in length while the flowers are pink and long with the clustered shape at the ends of the stems, the plant is hermaphrodite, pollinated by Bees, Flies, and Lepidoptera. It flowers from June to August. The best habitats for the plant are Dry and calcareous soils. Distributed in Europe - Mediterranean. Some species are leafless, especially in Eurasia, the plant as most of the Lamiaceae plants have an aromatic smell due to the volatile oils. The volatile oil of the plant has moderate cytotoxicity, with an excellent antimicrobial effect, especially against fungi, it has a positive effect to reduce pathogen colonization in the colon. The plant has several uses as it is used as a condiment and flavoring agent. The leaves, and especially the essential oil contained in them, are strongly antiseptic, deodorant and disinfectant. The plant can be used fresh in salads or to extract volatile oils. The essential oil is not used in aromatherapy because it is irritant to the mucous membranes. It is the most common but also the most important of the thymes since it contributes to the production of some of the best honey.