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Acinos arvensis - (Lam.)Dandy.

Common Name Basil Thyme
Family Lamiaceae or Labiatae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry sunny banks and in fields on chalky, gravelly and sandy soils[17].
Range Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia to the Mediterranean and east to W. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Acinos arvensis Basil Thyme


Acinos arvensis Basil Thyme
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Acinos arvensis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

A. thymoides. Calamintha acinos. Satureia acinos.

Habitats

 Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses: Condiment

The flowering tops are used as a flavouring[4, 177, 183] and in salads[238]. Said to be similar to thyme in odour but milder and more pleasant[183]. The plant is only faintly aromatic and does not really make a very good substitute for thyme[238, K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Diuretic  Odontalgic  Rubefacient  Stomachic

Basil thyme was a great favourite of the ancient herbalists, though it is little used medicinally at present[4]. The herb is diuretic, odontalgic, rubefacient and stomachic[4, 61, 238]. The essential oil has been applied externally as a rubefacient, whilst one drop of it put into a decayed tooth is said to alleviate the pain[4]. The plant has also been added to bath water, especially for children, and is said to be a strengthener and nerve soother[4]. The flowering plant is harvested in the summer and is normally used fresh in infusions[238].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The plant makes a good ground cover[244].

Special Uses

Ground cover

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any well-drained soil[244], though it prefers a light well-drained dry soil in full sun[1, 238]. Prefers sandy and alkaline growing conditions[238]. Dislikes shade. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -15°c[238]. A short-lived perennial, but the plants usually self-sow when they are growing in a suitable position[238].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. If you have sufficient seed then you could try sowing in situ in April or May. Germination should take place within a month. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Basal cuttings in late spring. Very easy[K].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Acinos alpinusAlpine CalamintPerennial0.5 4-8  LMHNDM11 
Acinos rotundifolius Annual/Perennial0.3 4-8  LMHNDM11 
Phytolacca acinosaIndian PokePerennial1.5 7-10  LMHSNM231

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(Lam.)Dandy.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

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Subject : Acinos arvensis  
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