Browne’s savory (Clinopodium brownei, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 514 (1891))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: (Sw.) Kuntze

Bibliography: Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 514 (1891)

Year: 1891

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Clinopodium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Browne’s savory, scientifically known as Clinopodium brownei, is a noteworthy member of the Lamiaceae family. This particular species can be predominantly found across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, showcasing its adaptation to varying climates within this vast range.

First described in 1891 as part of a comprehensive review of plant genera, Browne’s savory was classified by the botanist Kuntze, following the earlier work of Swartz. Its comprehensive documentation in “Revisio Generum Plantarum” has provided a fundamental understanding of its characteristics and botanical significance.

As a part of the broader mint family, Clinopodium brownei exhibits many of the common traits associated with Lamiaceae, such as square stems and aromatic foliage. The plant generally thrives in diverse habitats from humid tropical environments to drier subtropical locales, demonstrating incredible versatility and resilience. This adaptability has made it a subject of interest not only for botanists but also for those interested in plant conservation and environmental studies.

Browne’s savory contributes to the ecological balance by serving as a habitat and food source for various insect species, thereby playing a role in the pollination processes essential for ecosystem health. Additionally, plants in the genus Clinopodium are often noted for their medicinal properties and culinary uses, although specific uses of Clinopodium brownei may differ across its range.

In conclusion, Clinopodium brownei exemplifies the unique diversity within the Lamiaceae family, offering valuable insights into plant adaptation and ecological relationships in tropical and subtropical America. Its enduring presence since its initial classification in the late 19th century underscores its significance within both natural habitats and botanical research.

Common Names

Eng: browne’s savory
En: Browne’s savory, Browne’s Wild Basil
Zh: 伏生風輪菜
Zh-tw: 伏生風輪菜

Synonyms

• Satureja stolonifera ((Benth.) Briq.)
• Clinopodium stoloniferum ((Benth.) Kuntze)
• Thymus brownei (Sw.)
• Hedeoma gracillima (M.E.Jones)
• Apozia serpyllacea (Willd. ex Steud.)
• Satureja xalapensis ((Kunth) Briq.)
• Apozia chamaedryoides (Willd. ex Steud.)
• Micromeria domingensis (Shinners)
• Micromeria stolonifera (Benth.)
• Satureja brownei ((Sw.) Briq.)
• Thymus gracilis (Willd. ex Benth.)
• Micromeria brownei var. pilosiuscula (A.Gray)
• Micromeria bahamensis (Shinners)
• Micromeria pilosiuscula ((A.Gray) Small)
• Satureja brownei var. pilosiuscula (Briq.)
• Micromeria xalapensis ((Kunth) Benth.)
• Satureja brownei subsp. eubrownei (Epling)
• Micromeria brownei ((Sw.) Benth.)
• Thymus xalapensis (Kunth)
• Clinopodium xalapense ((Kunth) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Texas (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• California (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 16, 2021 by Erika Lozano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2021 by Chaitali Saqcena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Mauricio Durán León (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by Pauline Morelle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 11, 2021 by Muñiz Roberto (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 25, 2012 by EOL − Jason Sharp (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Didi J. Santri (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2022 by Kaitlyn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2012 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 11, 2021 by Muñiz Roberto (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 16, 2021 by Erika Lozano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 21, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 21, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 14, 2016 by EOL − grbfrog (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926921)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:61179-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clinopodium brownei (Sw.) Kuntze)

Specifications

Growth