Mediterranean, spontaneous herbs

[Estro Felino]

There is a place in Sicily where an incredibly big variety of spontaneous herbs grow. In those calcareous, rocky souls.
They are the wild Lamiaceae, a group of Mediterranean plants who benefit from dry, calcareous soils, because they are xerophilous: which mean they love light (not direct light) and water, but its roots cannot stand stagnant water so they benefit from periods of drought, which is guaranteed by the calcareous nature of the soil, that can't retain any water.

I will describe and show each one of this herbs. Besides the Lamiaceae, there are a couple of wild Umbrelliferae (the famous family of carrots, parsley and celery) that grow in that environment too.
I can assure you that in Summer, the scent of these herbs invade the nostrils and you cannot think of nothing else, but the good smells of these plants.

 

[Estro Felino]

First: Thymbra Capitata (Lamiacae)
It grows everywhere in the Mediterranean. The scent is unique and its purple flowers are the most beloved by wild bees.
It's a wild thyme which grows as a bush.

 

[Estro Felino]

Salvia Fruticosa, (Lamiaceae)
It's a wild sage with white flowers that grows in Sicily and in Greece mainly. It's one of the most useful herbs in cuisine.

 

[Estro Felino]

Clinopodium nepeta nepeta (Lamiaceae)
Also known as lesser calamint, it is an incredibly scented herb that is used in very refined plates and in Roman cuisine.
It's widespread is most Mediterranean countries and its flowers are very light purple, sometimes pinkish.

 

[rocala]

Nice post @Estro Felino and great pics . I hope to visit that beautiful island one day.

 

[Estro Felino]

Nice post @Estro Felino and great pics . I hope to visit that beautiful island one day.

That's so kind of you, thank you.

 

[Estro Felino]

Origanum onites, (Lamiaceae)
It's a wild oregano whose scent is very strong. It has beautiful white flowers and loves dry climates.

 

[Estro Felino]

Anethum graveolens: Umbrelliferae
It's wild dill with long branches and flowers. It grows in very rocky and dry soils.

 

[Estro Felino]

Guys...if you want to share tips, anecdotes about your gardening experience...

 

[Estro Felino]

Foeniculum vulgare, Umbrelliferae.
It's scented, wild fennel which grows anywhere in the calcareous hills of the South, in Italy.
Its seeds are a spice: very spicy and scented. Its leaves are used in cuisine.