Other Species of Thyme

T. broussonetii, a pine-scented thyme of N. Africa.

T. caespititius (formerly T. azoricus), Azores thyme, with a tangerine scent.

T. herba-barona, caraway thyme, has a cultivar, Nutmeg. The specific name was given because in past times it was thought suitable for rubbing into a baron of beef. The other names indicate the nature of the aroma.

T. mastichina, mastic thyme or Spanish marjoram, is used in many parts of the Mediterranean region. Its distilled oil (in commerce ‘oil of wild marjoram’) has an odour of eucalyptus and camphor.

T. pulegioides, broad-leaved thyme, has a number of cultivars including one bearing the name Oregano (also Italian Oregano), whose bright green leaves have an aroma similar to oregano.