LABTATE TRIBE 



225 



5. M. palcgium (Penny-royal). — Stem prostrate ; leaves egg- 

 shaped, nearly smooth ; flowers in distant whorls ; calyx downy, 

 its mouth closed with hairs. The smallest of the family, and very 

 different in habit from any of the others ; the stems are prostrate, 

 the flowers purple, and the whole plant of an agreeable perfume 

 and flavour. It is commonly cultivated in cottage gardens for 

 the sake of being made into tea, which is a favourite remedy for 

 colds. Wet, heathy places ; not comrhon. — Fl. July, August. 

 Perennial. 



Several other species and varieties of Mint are described by 

 botanists, some of which are scarcely distinct from the preceding ; 

 others, such as Pepper-Mint, Spear-Mint, and Bergamot-Mint, are 

 not really wild, but have escaped from cultivation. 



^^^■'■*^>^ 4. Thymus {Thyme) 



I. T. serpyUnm (Wild Thyme). — The 

 only British species. A well known and 

 favourite little plant, with much-branched, 

 almost woody stems, small fringed leaves, 

 and numerous heads of purple [lowers. The 

 whole plant diffuses a fragrant, aromatic 

 perfume, which, especially in hot weather, 

 is perceptible at some distance. Dry, 

 heathy places ; common. Besides the com- 

 mon type, which has terminal heads of 

 flowers borne on stems ascending from 

 the prostrate ones, a very distinct form is 

 found, known as T. chamcedrys, having 

 axillary flower hea:ds, and ascending stems 

 springing from the root. — Fl. June to 

 August. Perennial. 



Thymus Serpyllum 

 (Wild Thyme) 



5. Origanum (Marjoram) 



I. 0. vulgare (Common Marjoram), — The only British species. 

 Growing 1-2 feet high, and distinguished by its egg-shaped, downy 

 leaves, and heads of purple flowers, which are crowded mto the form 

 of a cyme. The bracts are longer than the flowers, and tinged with 

 the same colour, both being, while the plant is in bud, of a deep 

 red hue. The whole plant is fragrant and aromatic, and is fre- 

 quently cultivated as a pot-herb. Dry bushy places, especially on 

 Chalk or limestone ; frequent. — Fl. July, August. Perennial. 



6. AjUGA [Bugle) 



I. A. reptans (Common Bugle). — Stem erect, with creeping scions 

 at the base ; lower leaves stalked, upper sessile ; flowers whorled, 



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