Poley (Teucrium polium, Sp. pl. 2:566. 1753)

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:566. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Teucrium

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Medit.

Description

Poley, scientifically known as Teucrium polium, is an aromatic perennial plant recognized for its medicinal properties and distinctive appearance. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which is renowned for its numerous beneficial herbs, Poley stands out due to its versatility and traditional applications.

This resilient plant thrives primarily in the Western Mediterranean region. It has adapted well to the harsh, arid climates typically found in these landscapes, which contributes to its robust nature and ability to survive in challenging environments. The plant’s resilience and hardiness make it a valuable species in areas that experience extreme weather conditions.

Poley is often characterized by its small, intricate flowers and a unique aroma that hints at the myriad of essential oils contained within its leaves and stems. Traditionally, these oils have been a significant factor in the plant’s use in herbal medicine. Throughout history, it has been utilized in various cultures within the Mediterranean basin to treat a wide range of ailments. The methods of use include infusions, decoctions, and topical applications, thereby exploiting its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The scientific documentation of Teucrium polium dates back to 1753, with the prominent botanist Carl Linnaeus (abbreviated “L.”) being credited for its classification and description in his seminal work “Species Plantarum.” This historical documentation highlights the long-standing recognition of the plant’s botanical and medicinal significance.

In traditional herbal practices, Poley is reputed for its therapeutic benefits which include promoting digestive health, alleviating respiratory conditions, and providing relief from inflammatory diseases. Its application extends beyond direct medicinal uses, finding a place in culinary traditions where its aromatic qualities enhance the flavor profiles of numerous dishes.

In summary, Teucrium polium is a noteworthy plant within the Lamiaceae family, renowned for its hardiness and medicinal applications derived from its aromatic properties. Its establishment in the scientific community dating back to the 18th century underscores its enduring significance, both botanically and therapeutically, particularly within the Western Mediterranean regions.

Common Names

Swe: buskgamander
Ara: ja’ad
Ces: ožanka polejová
Eng: poley
En: Poley, Cat thyme, Hulwort, Mountain Germander, Ezovion, Felty Germander
Ar: Ja’ad, جعده (جَعَدَه), جعيدة
Hy: Մայրամախոտ
Az: Ağ məryəmnoxudu
Bg: Бяло подъбиче
Ca: Timó blanc, Timó mascle
Cs: Ožanka polejová
Fr: Germandrée blanc-grisâtre, Germandrée tomenteuse, Germandrée polium, Herbe de Marie
De: Grauer Gamander, Marienkraut
El: Αγαποβότανο
It: Camedrio polio, Canutola, Polio
Kk: Aqbas emenşöp, Ақбас еменшөп, اقباس ەمەنشوپ
Mk: Бел дупчец
Os: Къодегæрдæг
Fa: کلپوره
Pl: Ożanka popielata
Ru: Дубровник беловойлочный
Es: Poleo de monte, Poleo montano, Tomillo terrero, Zamarilla
Sv: Buskgamander
Tr: Tüylü kısamahmut

Synonyms

• Chamaedrys polium ((L.) Raf.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2018 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 2, 2021 by Timothé Malaterre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2021 by can Fona (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2018 by Simon Popy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Fernandez Angel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2018 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 19, 2009 by Tela Botanica − George FOWLER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − paouwline (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2022 by John Walsh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2021 by Luis Corcuera (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by Aristide ZOUNG (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 25, 2019 by fra fra (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 4, 2020 by Óscar Mencía (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2020 by Erol Ridvan Cocoi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Abdul Ghaffar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2021 by zaki Beldji (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Other

Taken May 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Eduard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2021 by llinares J (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3887764)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:460631-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Teucrium polium L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 4