Numidian thyme

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Numidian thyme

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Thymus lanceolatus subsp. numidicus

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales and family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Thymus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is a medicinal species specifically found within the regions of Northern Africa. Its natural habitat is primarily limited to the territories of Algeria and Tunisia. Within these two countries, it grows according to its unique environmental requirements. The geographical range of Thymus numidicus is thus quite restricted to this particular part of the continent. Consequently, conservation efforts must focus on these specific North African locations to protect the species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Thymus numidicus is characterized by its classification as a chamaephyte, a growth form that defines its survival strategy in its natural habitat. Specifically, it functions as a chamaephyte under both life form categorization systems, meaning its perennating buds are located close to or just above the soil surface, typically protected by a layer of leaf litter or the ground itself. This life history allows the plant to withstand environmental stressors by maintaining a low-growing, cushion-like profile that minimizes exposure to harsh winds and temperature fluctuations. By utilizing this chamamyte strategy, the plant ensures its persistence across growing seasons, relying on its low-set buds to facilitate regrowth and seasonal development.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Thymus numidicus is characterized by its growth habit as a self-supporting plant, as it does not exhibit any climbing behavior, whether obligatory or facultative. It functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies toward other species, and maintains a strictly terrestrial existence rather than living as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Thymus numidicus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Monoterpenes.

Monoterpenes

1. Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology

Conditions

Thymus numidicus has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Candida albicans.

Candida albicans

1. Fitoterapia

Preparations

Thymus numidicus has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oil, essential oils.

Essential oil

1. Fitoterapia

Essential oils

1. Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology