Thymus moroderi
Encyclopedia
Thymus moroderi is a small plant from the Thymus
genus. It is endemic to some areas in the southern, driest part of the Alicante province (where it is called cantahueso or cantueso both in Spanish
and Valencian
) along with some isolated and similarly subarid locations in the contiguous Región de Murcia (Spain
).
Thymus moroderi must not be confused with the somewhat similar in appearance (yet from the (Lavandula genus) Lavandula stoechas
, which is also called cantueso in Spanish.
Thymus moroderi is, outside its blooming season, an inconspicuous, dark green plant with tiny leaves and an overall very modest appearance. Its typical size is small; in optimal conditions, the oldest mature examples reach a radius of some 25 cm, and approximately 20 cm height.
It blooms from April through early June; during these weeks, its normally dull appearance changes dramatically due to its characteristic flower.
Thymus moroderi is a xerophyte
plant which thrives in areas with a total annual precipitation of 300mm and less, as recorded in the southern part of the Alicante province and contiguous areas in Murcia. It also shows a preference for otherwise extremely poor soils, especially those showing traces of gypsum.
Despite Thymus moroderi not being listed in any endangered species collection, arguably it is not a common species because of its patchy distribution, it is present in areas that are rather densely populated and the subsequent picking of its flowers (which, despite recommendations to only trim the plant, some may still carry out by uprooting it completely).
, a traditional local liquor, is made using the plant.
Also, mostly around the Elche area, the flowers of Thymus moroderi are seasonally picked and then desiccated for ready consumption through the year as a stomach herbal tonic, which is brewed such as in a herbal tea.
Thyme
Thyme is a culinary and medicinal herb of the genus Thymus.-History:Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming. The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage...
genus. It is endemic to some areas in the southern, driest part of the Alicante province (where it is called cantahueso or cantueso both in Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
and Valencian
Valencian
Valencian is the traditional and official name of the Catalan language in the Valencian Community. There are dialectical differences from standard Catalan, and under the Valencian Statute of Autonomy, the Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua has been established as its regulator...
) along with some isolated and similarly subarid locations in the contiguous Región de Murcia (Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
).
Thymus moroderi must not be confused with the somewhat similar in appearance (yet from the (Lavandula genus) Lavandula stoechas
Lavandula stoechas
Lavandula stoechas occurs naturally in the Mediterranean region.-Description:A perennial shrub, it usually grows to 30–100 cm tall and wide...
, which is also called cantueso in Spanish.
Thymus moroderi is, outside its blooming season, an inconspicuous, dark green plant with tiny leaves and an overall very modest appearance. Its typical size is small; in optimal conditions, the oldest mature examples reach a radius of some 25 cm, and approximately 20 cm height.
It blooms from April through early June; during these weeks, its normally dull appearance changes dramatically due to its characteristic flower.
Thymus moroderi is a xerophyte
Xerophyte
A xerophyte or xerophytic organism is a plant which has adapted to survive in an environment that lacks water, such as a desert. Xerophytic plants may have adapted shapes and forms or internal functions that reduce their water loss or store water during long periods of dryness...
plant which thrives in areas with a total annual precipitation of 300mm and less, as recorded in the southern part of the Alicante province and contiguous areas in Murcia. It also shows a preference for otherwise extremely poor soils, especially those showing traces of gypsum.
Despite Thymus moroderi not being listed in any endangered species collection, arguably it is not a common species because of its patchy distribution, it is present in areas that are rather densely populated and the subsequent picking of its flowers (which, despite recommendations to only trim the plant, some may still carry out by uprooting it completely).
Popular uses
CantuesoCantueso
Cantueso is a liquor made in the Spanish province of Alicante.It is obtained from the distillation of the flowers and peduncle of the thyme plant thymus moroderi and grain alcohol. Cantueso typically contains between 25% and 35% alcohol, with 100 grams of sugar per liter, giving it its...
, a traditional local liquor, is made using the plant.
Also, mostly around the Elche area, the flowers of Thymus moroderi are seasonally picked and then desiccated for ready consumption through the year as a stomach herbal tonic, which is brewed such as in a herbal tea.