Thymbra spicata
One of the key thyme-honey sources of western and southern Anatolia; in June–August heat it yields abundant nectar and a strongly aromatic light amber honey.
- Nectar
- Very good
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Crystallisation
- Medium
- Height
- 0.2-0.5 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Thymbra spicata is a strongly aromatic subshrub that forms extensive cover on dry, stony slopes and in maquis and phrygana in the Aegean, Mediterranean and southeastern Anatolia. Its spike-like, pink-purple flower clusters secrete plenty of nectar in hot, dry weather. In Turkey it is the main source of a large share of the honeys sold as thyme honey.
Flowering
It flowers in June–August and stays in bloom for about one to one and a half months. Nectar secretion reaches its highest level with hot days and cool nights; if extreme drought drags on, the flow weakens.
Honey and pollen
Thymbra honey is light amber, with a sharp, lingering thyme aroma and a slightly burning taste; it crystallises at a moderate rate with fine grain. Its pollen contribution is moderate.
Note for the beekeeper
In coastal regions where the summer dearth begins, moving colonies in June to slopes dense with Thymbra spicata provides both a honey harvest and a chance to build strength before the pine honey season. Overharvesting for spice and overgrazing are reducing its cover in some areas.