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Savory and thyme - These plants are often confused with each other or considered as one. The reason for this confusion is the similar names of the cultures.
In fact, the plants are different, but they belong to the same family (Lamiaceae). What are the differences and features of the mountain savory? Let's figure out what it is.
Also from this article you can find out the description of the savory, its history and geography. Read more about the benefits and dangers of savory. We will tell you how to grow savory and take care of it, what diseases and pests can be.
Detailed botanical description
Mountain savory is one of the most famous perennial species... It is a lush semi-evergreen type shrub. It reaches a height of 45-50 cm. It has a pronounced aroma - a spicy aromatic herb. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family (Lipocytes).
The Latin name of the culture is Satureja montana, the English name is mountain savory. In our country, the plant is also known by other names - winter savory or alpine savory.
Savory mountain is a long-term culture. In one place, under suitable conditions, it lives for 4-5 years. Differs in slow growth. In the first year, only vegetative organs develop, flowering begins the next year. The flowering period is long (August-October).
Appearance
The structure of the bush differs depending on the region of habitation.: in the south, these are branched shoots, reaching 50 cm in height, in the north - branching is weak, the plant is lower.
Features of the appearance of the culture:
- Leaves are linear-lanceolate, have a slight glossy shade.
- The flowers are found in the leaf axils. In 1 bosom, 3-7 pcs.
- The flowers are small, most often white, but also purple.
- The flowers form a loose, elongated inflorescence.
- Has fruits that disintegrate into nuts.
- Seeds are small, black-brown, ovoid.
History and geography of habitation
Savory mountain was discovered a long time ago. Even in ancient Rome, people believed that this plant has magical properties. Savory was braided into wreaths, which were supposed to protect from the evil eye, to clarify consciousness. It was also believed that such a wreath is a sign of a noble family. Natural habitat of the mountain savory Southern Europe (Balkans, southern France, Spain) and Asia Minor (Turkey, Lebanon, Syria). Artificially cultivated in warm regions of Eurasia.
Differences from other plant species and varieties
View | Differences |
Savory mountain |
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Savory garden |
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Savory kondari |
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Savory garden gnome |
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Savory citron |
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Benefit and harm
The benefits of the plant are due to its composition.... The aerial part contains essential oil, its main constituent is carvacrol. Savory greens are rich in vitamins, phytoncides, and minerals. The plant is actively used in folk medicine.
- It is recommended to drink it for digestive problems, enteritis, vomiting and colitis.
- Mountain savory greens relieve pain, swelling and irritation after insect bites.
Savory has useful properties:
- disinfectant;
- astringent;
- diuretic;
- diaphoretic.
But it is allowed to take this herbal "medicine" in the absence of allergies and individual intolerance.
Reference! Mountain savory is a part of medicinal teas. The essential oil of the plant is used in the alcoholic beverage industry, in perfumery and soap making. Young savory leaves are a popular herb.
Read about the benefits, dangers and uses here.
How to grow?
Reproduction is carried out by seeds or seedlings... When growing from seed, it is important to pay attention to the following aspects.
- Choose a plot without weeds, protected from the north wind, warm enough.
- Sowing should be done in early spring - after snow melts and minimal soil warming. Most often this is the beginning of April.
- The depth for planting the seed is no more than 1 cm.
- The distance between crops is 10-15 cm.
- For even sowing, the seeds can be mixed with sand.
- Cover the bed with a non-woven material. Water after 2 days.
- Seedlings should appear in 12-15 days.
- After the greens have grown stronger, you need to thin them out.
Another way is to grow from seedlings.
- You need to sow mountain savory for seedlings in March.
- Before sowing, the seeds should be kept in a damp cloth for 1-2 days, then dried.
- Place the seed to a depth of 0.5-1 cm, the distance is 3-4 cm.
- Cover crops with foil, spray the ground.
- Seedlings appear in 9-11 days.
- Plant in a permanent place at the age of 40-45 days.
Read about planting and growing savory here.
How to care?
The following are the basic parameters that are required in the care process.
- Temperature... Optimum performance is 20-27 degrees. Does not tolerate drafts.
- Shine... Requires good lighting. Loves the sun and direct sunlight. May dry out in a dark place.
- Top dressing... Needs nutritious fertilizers. You can spill the bushes 2-3 times a season with a diluted Rost solution. If the soil is fertile, no fertilizer is required.
- Loosening... Do after watering. To prevent the soil from compaction, it must be mulched.
- Weeding... It is imperative to promptly remove the weed that will shade the savory shoots.
- Humidity... A suitable indicator is 45-55%. You do not need to spray the plant (or rarely).
In most regions of our country, mountain savory needs to be sheltered for the winter. Seedlings need to be spud and covered with improvised material - leaves, straw. In areas with harsh winters, the savory should be dug up, potted and kept in the basement.
Diseases and pests
Diseases and parasitic insects are identical to those of the garden savory. Of the most common diseases - rust, of parasites - aphids. If detected, timely spraying with chemicals is required.
So, mountain savory - perennial shrub... In its natural habitat, it is found in hot regions. Cultivation in our country is permissible if the plant is provided with a warm area protected from drafts. Savory mountain has a wide application: from medicine to cooking.