Native ThymeSpecies: Prostranthera rotundafolia
Family: Lamiateae
Family: Lamiateae
This strongly aromatic bush is a native to south east New South Wales, eastern Victoria and Tasmania. Native Thyme was used by indigenous Australians for it's medicinal properties. The bush grows up to 2 meters high, with a showy display of lilac flowers on the tips in spring. It has very small round leaves, in pairs, attached to a multitude of stemletts. This plant is related to the Westringia and naturally occurs in cool moist gullies, particularly along river banks. It is now a very popular garden plant and can even be used as a low hedge.
Native Thyme is a strong growing plant when well watered, in a sheltered, well drained position and in acid to neutral soil conditions. As a pot plant, it provides a continuous supply of ready herb and is easy to maintain with regular pruning. Commercially, the Native Thyme is grown in shade house conditions with well drained raised beds.
When used in dishes featuring chicken, turkey, pork or lamb, a small amount makes a big difference.
