Greater calamint (Clinopodium grandiflorum, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 515 (1891))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: (L.) Kuntze

Bibliography: Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 515 (1891)

Year: 1891

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Clinopodium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SC. Europe, Medit. to N. Iran

Description

Greater calamint, scientifically known as Clinopodium grandiflorum, is a distinguished species within the Lamiaceae family. The botanical recognition of this plant can be traced back to 1891, where it was meticulously documented in “Revisio Generum Plantarum” (Rev. Gen. Pl., Vol. 2, p. 515) by the renowned botanist (L.) Kuntze.

This herbaceous perennial is native to a variety of regions spanning from Southern Europe through the Mediterranean and reaching as far as Northern Iran. Such a wide distribution underscores its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and terrains.

Clinopodium grandiflorum thrives in rocky and open habitats, where it can bask in full sunlight. Its aromatic leaves and striking appearance make it a notable plant in the areas it inhabits. The leaves of greater calamint are typically ovate and serrated, contributing to its lush, vibrant green foliage. The plant is renowned for its showy flowers, which typically bloom in shades of purple, adding a splash of color to its natural surroundings.

Ecologically, greater calamint plays a significant role in supporting local wildlife. Its flowers are particularly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it an essential component of the ecosystem.

Horticulturally, Clinopodium grandiflorum is valued for its ease of cultivation and its ability to enhance garden aesthetics. Gardeners appreciate its aromatic properties, not only for the fragrance it imparts but also for its potential medicinal uses, which are steeped in traditional practices.

Overall, greater calamint (Clinopodium grandiflorum) stands out as a vital and versatile plant species, contributing much to both natural habitats and cultivated gardens alike.

Common Names

Dan: rosen-bjergmynte
Fra: calament à grandes fleurs
Eng: greater calamint, large-flower calamint, mint-savory, showy calamint, showy-savory
Deu: großblütige bergminze
Ita: mentuccia montana
Swe: rosenmynta
En: Greater calamint, Mint-savory, Large-flower calamint, Showy calamint, Showy-savory, Large-flowered Calamint, Showy Savory
Da: Rosen-bjergmynte
Nl: Grootbloemige Steentijm, Grote Steentijm
Fr: Calament à grandes fleurs, Sarriette à grandes fleurs, Thé d’Aubrac, Thé de l’Aubrac
De: Großblütige Bergminze
It: Mentuccia montana
Sv: Rosenmynta

Synonyms

• Calamintha grandiflora ((L.) Moench)
• Satureja grandiflora ((L.) Scheele)
• Faucibarba grandiflora ((L.) Dulac)
• Melissa grandiflora (L.)
• Thymus grandiflorus ((L.) Scop.)
• Acinos grandiflorus ((L.) G.Don)
• Drymosiphon grandiflorus ((L.) Melnikov)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Sep 19, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2017 by Heinz Gass (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 23, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2017 by Heinz Gass (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 24, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 19, 2020 by Amel Hey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 16, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Catherine MAHYEUX (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2018 by Roberta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 7, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Danièle DOMEYNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7437438)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:445789-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clinopodium grandiflorum (L.) Kuntze)

Specifications

Growth