The flowering spikes of Micromeria fruticosa.

A young sprig of Micromeria fruticosa.

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Micromeria fruticosa   (L.) Druce 1914

Lamiaceae

white savory, tea hyssop, Turkish pennyroyal, Mediterranean rock mint, little mint, false hyssop, wild hyssop, white zota, whiteleaf savory, shrubby savory • Català (Catalan): poliol blanc, poliol de roca, poliol menta, poniol • Español: ajedrea blanca, aliso espinoso, poleo blanco, poleo de monte, poleo de roca • Française: thym du Liban, micromérie ligneuse • Italiano: issopo garganico • Türk (Turkish): kaya yarpuzu, taşnane

(Arabic) العربية : زعيطمان, عشب الشاي • (Hebrew) עברית : זוטה לבנה

Native to rocky areas along the coasts of the Mediterranean, especially Israel, Syria, Turkey, Albania, Croatia, Italy, & Spain.

Synonymy: Clinopodium fruticosum (L.) Kuntze 1891; Clinopodium serpyllifolium subsp. fruticosum (L.) Bräuchler 2006; Melissa fruticosa L. 1753 [basión.]; Micromeria marifolia (Cav.) Benth. 1834 [nom. illeg.]; Nepeta marifolia Cav. 1800; Satureja fruticosa (L.) Briq.; Satureja marifolia (Cav.) Caruel 1884 [nom. illeg.]; Thymus marifolius (Cav.) Willd. 1809

In the Eastern Mediterranean, this herb is wel known and treasured for a variety of uses - a refreshing tea, for clearing nasal congestion, for its antiseptic and insect repellent qualities, as well as a cooking spice (it is in a group of herbs used for Za'tar spice).

Much research is being done of the various compunds found in this plant that show medicinal promise (e.g. reducing blood pressure), but it does contains pulegone, which should not be taken by pregnant women or those trying to conceive.

Little known in the outside of its native areas and the victum of some confusion with other, similarly fragrant herbs (often used interchangeably), this easily grown handsome plant deserves attention in mediterranean climate areas.  Many thin, vertical stems create an airy shrub from 40-70cm. This open habit allows the plant to weave into its neighbors, its gray-green leaves and white to pale pink flowers (in late summer & fall) combining well with many other colors and textures.

Although native to lean soils and rocky areas, it is very adaptable to heavy soils as long as they are not sodden or too rich.

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Richters Herb Specialists - Ontario, Canada

One of the most popular tea and spice herbs of Israel and the Middle East.  Makes a refreshing sweet minty tea.  A popular bread dip is made with the leaves mixed with olive oil and salt.

In Turkey, the tea is used to treat stomach ulcers.  Contains pulegone; should not be taken by women who are pregnant or while trying to conceive.

Height: 25cm/10in.

Pépinière Filippi - Meze, Languedoc, France

Evergreen leaves are very aromatic, silky, silvery gray.  Masses of small white, purple-tinted flowers from July to October.  Height: 40 cm. Width: 40 cm.  Hardiness: -6 to -8°C (-10°C in very dry in winter).  Drought code: 5.  Poor soil, rocky or sandy, well drained soil.  Tolerates limestone.  Exposure: sun.  Origin: Turkey, Lebanon, Israel.  Use: large perennial border, gray garden, fragrant garden.

References

Jo Ann Gardner. October/November 1992. Za'tar - Whatever the stuff is, it's delicious!. The Herb Companion. Website http://www.herbcompanion.com/Cooking/Zatar.aspx   [accessed 29 November 2010].