Maltese Savory – Botanical Profile

Micromeria microphylla L.

Lamiaceae Family

Distribution and Habitat

Micromeria microphylla L.  is native to the Mediterranean region, especially in southern Europe.

It typically grows in dry, rocky habitats, such as cliffs, stony slopes, and open scrublands.
The plant prefers well-drained, poor soils and thrives in full sunlight. It is well adapted to hot, dry climates, showing high resistance to drought. It can often be found in coastal areas as well as in hilly or mountainous regions.

Botanical and Morphological Description

• Root: Fibrous root system
• Stem: Slender, branched, often woody at the base; square-shaped (typical of Lamiaceae)
• Leaves: Small, opposite, simple, oval to lanceolate; entire margins; aromatic due to essential oil
• Flowers: Small, bilabiate (two-lipped), usually pink to purple, the calyx is tubular, 5-toothed, the corolla is bilabiate. The flowers are arranged in axillary or terminal inflorescences
• Fruit: Nutlets (typical schizocarp of Lamiaceae)