Acinos alpinus - (L.)Moench.

(L.)Moench.

Alpine Calamint

Lamiaceae

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GBIF

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GBIF

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GBIF

Description

Acinos alpinus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Edible Uses

Tea. The leaves are used as a flavouring in cooked dishes and also as a tea substitute.

Medicinal Uses

Diaphoretic Febrifuge. Diaphoretic, febrifuge.

Distribution

C. and S. Europe

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: Turkey EUROPE: Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Former Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece (incl. Crete), Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Romania, Spain, France, Portugal AFRICA: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia

Cultivation

Succeeds in almost any well-drained soil, doing well in a hot dry soil.

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. If you have sufficient seed then you could try sowing in situ in April or May. Germination should take place within a month. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Basal cuttings in late spring.