Camphor Thyme

Appearance

Thymus camphoratus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. It is in leaf 12-Jan. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, lepidoptera.

Naming

Synonym
Thymus algarbiensis Lange

Status

Thymus camphoratus is listed as priority species on Annex II of the Habitats Directive and under Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention). It is legally protected in Portugal. It is recommended to further study the biology of this species, to estimate the population size, to study the affects of potential threats and to control urbanisation (ICN 2006).
Poor prospects - species likely to struggle unless conditions change (ICNB 2007).

Habitat

This small shrub flowers from late March to June. It occurs mainly in sandy calcareous soils and limestones, usually near the sea, heaths, xerophillus shrublands or pine woods. It is often found with Stauracanthus spp. or Santolina impressa (ICN 2006). This plant grows in the Habitats Directive listed habitat 2260 Cisto-Lavenduletalia dune sclerophyllous scrubs (Commission of the European Communities 2009).

Uses

An essential oil obtained from the plant contains thymol, which is strongly antiseptic, deodorant and disinfectant. The plant can be used fresh at any time of the year, or it can be harvested as it comes into flower and either be distilled for the oil or dried for later use.