Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris is native to the Western Mediterranean. A small aromatic, evergreen, needle-leaved shrub with white-pink or lilac flowers, thyme grows very slowly and reaches a height of 10–30 cm. The plants are perennial, woody at the base, with overwintering buds located 2 to 30 cm above ground (the herbaceous parts dry out annually, and only the woody parts remain alive). In addition to being used as an ornamental plant, Thymus is also employed in cooking and herbal medicine.