Spanish Thyme

Spanish Thyme

This genus of about 350 species of evergreen perennials and subshrubs occurs in warm and tropical parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Several species are cultivated as ornamentals. Plectranthus amboinicus deserves to be more widely grown, making an attractive. easily grown house plant in its variegated forms. The foliage is highly aromatic and variously described as resembling thyme, sage, or oregano. This interesting and widely used herb is not known in the wild but is thought to have originated in Africa or India, from where it spread to the E Indies. The name amboinicus indicates that its origin was thought to be Ambon, one of the Molucca Islands in E Indonesia. Apparently introduced to America from Spain (hence "Spanish Thyme"), today it is a popular culinary herb in many parts of the world, giving rise to common names usch as Indian Borage and Cuban Oregano. In India it is likened in taste and odor to Trachyspermum ammi (See, Ajowan). Plectranthus barbatus (syn. Coleus barbatus, C. forskohlii) is similar in appearance to P. amboinicus. It has a camphoraceous aroma and contains forskolin, which has been researched for its potential in treating congestive heart disease, glaucoma, and chronic bronchial disease.

Sprawling evergreen perennial with succulent, velvety, light green leaves, 4-8cm (1½-3in) long, which have finely scalloped margins. Small lavender flowers are borne in spikes, to 40cm (16in) long, in spring and summer.

Common Name:

Spanish Thyme

Other Names:

Cuban Oregano, Indian Borage

Botanical Name:

Plectranthus abnoinicus syn. Coleus amboinicus, C. aromaticus

Genus:

Plectranthus

Family:

Lamiacaea

Native Location:

Unknown in the wild; possibly from Africa or India originally.

Cultivation:

Light, rich, well-drained soil in sun. Provide ample moisture during the growing season but keep on the dry side in winter. Pinch out tips during the growing season to encourage bushy growth. Cut back straggly plants in spring.

Propagation:

By seed sown at 19-24°C (66-75°F) when ripe; by stem-tip cuttings at any time, avoiding excessively damp conditions.

Harvest:

Leaves are picked as required and used fresh.

Variations:

Variegated
Has white-variegated leaves.

Well-Sweep Wedgewood
Has pale green leaves with darker green margins.

Height:

30-90cm (12-36in)

Width:

30-90cm (12-36in)

Hardiness:

Min. 10-15°C (50-59°F)

Parts Used:

Leaves

Properties:

A strongly aromatic, healing herb with an oregano-like flavor. It relaxes spasms, reduces inflammation, benefits the digestion, and has laxative, expectorant, and antibiotic effects.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, colic, dyspepsia, and postpartum pain. Externally for headache, sores, burns, and insect bites.

Culinary Uses:

Leaves are used to flavor beans, salads, and strong-smelling meat and fish; also infused as tea. An ingredient of Vietnamese sour soup, canh chua, and the Indian salad, bajeh.

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