Thyme has these other names too, and many people don't know them
Other names for thyme
Thyme is a semi-shrub woody plant, and in China it also has other names such as "Dijiao", "Shanhujiao" and "Shexiangcao".
Morphological characteristics of thyme
The stems of thyme are mostly ascending or creeping, covered with short fine hairs, and the flowering branches are about 1.5-10 cm tall.
The leaves of thyme are ovate, with 1-2 pairs of small serrations along the edges; both sides of the leaf are hairless, and the leaf stalk is fairly obvious.
When thyme blooms, the flower heads may be many-flowered or few-flowered; the corolla is mainly purple and red, about 6.5-8 mm long, and covered with sparse short fine hairs.
The nut of thyme is flattened ovate or round, and its surface is very smooth.
Growth habits of thyme
Thyme is suited to growing in environments with ample sunlight and a dry, warm climate.
It has few requirements for soil conditions; loose calcareous soil with good drainage is enough.
Thyme mostly grows on slopes, mountains, valleys and among weeds at an altitude of about 1100-3600 m.
Value and uses of thyme
Ecological value: Thyme has strong environmental adaptability and can resist most pests and diseases; it also has characteristics such as abundant flowering, a fragrant scent and a long flowering period. It is a very common ground-cover plant in modern landscaping, and is also widely used in areas with severe soil degradation, where it plays an important ecological role.
Medicinal value: Thyme was already used as medicine as early as the Northern Song period in China, and many traditional Chinese medicine texts have recorded its effects to a certain extent. For example, it can be used to relieve pain, address indigestion, and promote cough relief and phlegm resolution.
Culinary value: Thyme has a sweet and rich fragrance, and is a natural seasoning spice that has been used for a very long time. When cooking, thyme powder can be added to remove fishiness and enhance flavour.
The flower language of thyme
The flower language of thyme is "courage", symbolizing a brave and tenacious life.