Basil thyme

Description

Acinos arvensis, known commonly as basil thyme and spring savory, is a species of plant of the genus Acinos. It is a perennial that usually grows about 8 inches (20 cm) high and spreads 12 inches (30 cm). It prefers to grow in strong sunlight. The scent is faintly reminiscent of thyme, giving it its common name. Acinos arvensis is recorded as a food plant for the larva of the moth Coleophora tricolor. The Plant List regards Acinos arvensis as a synonym of Clinopodium acinos. Acinos is a genus of ten species of annual and short-lived evergreen perennial woody plants native to southern Europe and western Asia. Its name comes from the Greek word akinos, the name of a small aromatic plant. They are small, tufted, bushy or spreading plants growing to 10–45 cm tall. The 2-lipped, tubular flowers are in whorls borne on erect spike-like inflorescence produced in mid-summer. Mostly quite frost hardy, they will grow in poor soil as long as it is well drained (they do not like wet conditions) and need full sun. Propagate from seed or cuttings in spring.