Thymus mastichina aka Mastic Thyme

Thymus mastichina, or mastic thyme, belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It comes from the Iberian Peninsula, including Spain and Portugal. Its wild sites include dry hills, rocky ground, and roadsides. Kew records it as a subshrub from a temperate climate. Plants For A Future describes it as an evergreen shrub. It reaches about 1 foot (0.3 metres) tall. Its spread reaches about 2 feet (0.6 metres). This low size suits the plant to cultivated beds.

The leaves give off a strong scent when bruised. Their sharp smell recalls eucalyptus. Flowers appear from July to August, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, which offer plenty of nectar. Honey bees visit them for this food. The leaves also provide the plant's useful essential oil. Scent and bee visits add to its garden value.

Grow mastic thyme in full sun with good soil drainage. It does not grow in shade. Sandy or loamy soil suits it well. It prefers lime-rich ground but accepts a broader pH range. This includes mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils. It grows in dry or moist soil and withstands drought. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. It also reports cold tolerance near 14°F (−10°C). That source recommends some cover during winter.

The leaves serve as a seasoning for food. The essential oil also flavours soups and other dishes. For drying, gather leaves just before the flowers open. The source gives early and late summer as harvest times. Dry the leaves fast for storage and later use. The oil also has uses in perfume and mouthwash. Plants For A Future records antiseptic, disinfectant, and deodorant uses. These are reported uses, not proof of medical benefit. The source lists no known hazards for this species.

Seed and division offer ways to raise more plants. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring. Autumn sowing in a greenhouse is another option. Leave seed on the surface or cover it lightly. Germination may be uneven, so results can vary. Keep seedlings under glass through their first winter. Plant them out once the risk of frost passes. Divide plants in spring or autumn, and shelter small divisions until established.