Thymus moroderi
| Thymus moroderi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Subfamily: | Nepetoideae |
| Tribe: | Mentheae |
| Genus: | Thymus |
| Species: | T. moroderi |
| Binomial name | |
| Thymus moroderi Pau ex Martinez | |
Thymus moroderi is a small plant from the Thymus genus. It is endemic to some areas in the southern, driest part of the Alicante province (where it is called cantahueso or cantueso both in Spanish and Valencian) along with some isolated and similarly subarid locations in the contiguous Región de Murcia (Spain).
Thymus moroderi must not be confused with the somewhat similar in appearance (yet from the (Lavandula genus) Lavandula stoechas, which is also called cantueso in Spanish.
Thymus moroderi is, outside its blooming season, an inconspicuous, dark green plant with tiny leaves and an overall very modest appearance. Its typical size is small; in optimal conditions, the oldest mature examples reach a radius of some 25 cm, and approximately 20 cm height.
It blooms from April through early June; during these weeks, its normally dull appearance changes dramatically due to its characteristic flower.
Thymus moroderi is a xerophyte plant which thrives in areas with a total annual precipitation of 300mm and less, as recorded in the southern part of the Alicante province and contiguous areas in Murcia. It also shows a preference for otherwise extremely poor soils, especially those showing traces of gypsum.
Despite Thymus moroderi not being listed in any endangered species collection, arguably it is not a common species because of its patchy distribution, it is present in areas that are rather densely populated and the subsequent picking of its flowers (which, despite recommendations to only trim the plant, some may still carry out by uprooting it completely).
Popular uses
Cantueso, a traditional local liquor, is made using the plant.
Also, mostly around the Elche area, the flowers of Thymus moroderi are seasonally picked and then desiccated for ready consumption through the year as a stomach herbal tonic, which is brewed such as in a herbal tea.
External links
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Wikispecies has information related to: Thymus moroderi |