Origin and Common Names
Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. is a species of thyme that is native to Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is commonly known as the cushion thyme or dwarf creeping thyme due to its low-growing, mat-forming habit.
Appearance
The cushion thyme has small, rounded leaves that are typically green or gray-green in color. It produces small, pink or purple flowers that bloom in dense clusters during the summer months. The plant is a low-lying shrub that rarely reaches a height of more than a few centimeters. It has a woody stem and numerous branches that spread outwards to create a mat-like appearance.
Uses
The cushion thyme has a number of medicinal uses and is often used in traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean medicine. It contains essential oils that have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and is therefore used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, digestive problems, and skin conditions. The plant is also commonly used as a culinary herb and as a natural insect repellent.
Growth Conditions of Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov.
Light: Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can also tolerate partial shade if necessary, but a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is required daily.
Temperature: This plant species is native to high altitude regions of East Africa and can tolerate cold temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F). Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) can cause thermal stress to the plant, while temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can slow down its growth rate or even lead to frost damage.
Soil: Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. thrives in well-drained soils with a slightly alkaline pH between 7.0 to 8.0. It prefers sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter, as these can retain water while still allowing for good drainage. This plant species is adapted to growing in nutrient-poor soils and can tolerate rocky or gravelly terrain.
Water: Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. is drought tolerant and can survive long periods without water once established. However, regular watering during the growing season can facilitate faster growth. Water the plant deeply about once a week, making sure that the soil has drained before progressing watering.
Fertilizer: This plant species does not require regular fertilizer application. Occasionally, a dose of balanced fertilizer can help the plant to maintain its vigor and green color. Use a slow-release fertilizer, incorporating it into the soil around the plant's drip line, but note that too much fertilizer can harm the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. is a small, evergreen shrub that thrives in warm and dry climates. In terms of cultivation techniques, it prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It is best grown in full sun exposure and can tolerate some shade.
Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. For seeds, it is recommended to sow them in spring, and for cuttings, the best time to propagate is during the summer. When planting, space them 20 to 30 cm apart.
Watering Needs
Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. However, it needs to be watered regularly during its establishment period, mainly the first six months. After that, it only needs watering once a week during dry weather conditions.
Fertilization
Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. does not require much fertilization. In fact, excessive fertilizer use can result in lush vegetative growth at the expense of flowers and essential oils. A minimal application of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure once every two years is sufficient.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. to maintain its compact shape and encourage bushy growth. It is recommended to prune it just after flowering, usually in mid-summer. Remove the top 1 to 2 cm of the stem to stimulate new growth.
Additionally, to prevent premature woody growth, cut back one-third of the older stems to the base during pruning. It is important to note that this plant should not be pruned during the winter season, as it can damage the plant.
Propagation of Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov.
Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. is a low-growing shrub that is typically propagated via seed or stem cuttings.
Propagation via Seed
The best time to propagate Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. via seed is in the fall. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground or in seed trays. The soil needs to be kept moist for the seeds to germinate. The seedlings will usually emerge within 2-4 weeks.
Once the seedlings have reached a height of about 2 inches, they can be transplanted into their permanent location. The plants should be spaced about 8 inches apart.
Propagation via Stem Cuttings
Propagation via stem cuttings is another method of propagating Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. The best time to take cuttings is in the early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Take cuttings that are between 3-5 inches long. Remove all the leaves except for the top few. Dip the cuttings into rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a warm but shaded location.
The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have formed, the plants can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Disease Management
Thymus schimperi Ronniger var. pulvinaris Chiov. is generally resistant to diseases, but under certain conditions, it can be affected by fungal and bacterial infections. Prevention of these diseases is key to managing them. Thoroughly clean and sterilize any pruning tools before use, avoid overhead watering and ensure the soil has good drainage to avoid excessive moisture. Proper plant spacing and air circulation are also important to prevent the spread of diseases.
One common disease affecting Thymus schimperi is powdery mildew. It appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems, causing them to die back. To manage powdery mildew, improve air circulation by appropriately spacing plants, prune infected parts and destroy them. Organic fungicides like neem oil, sulfur, and potassium bicarbonate can also be used to manage the disease.
Another disease that can affect Thymus schimperi is bacterial wilt. It can cause wilting of the plant and death if left untreated. To manage it, avoid overhead watering, remove and destroy infected plants and avoid planting in contaminated soil.
Pest Management
Thymus schimperi can also be affected by pests, including aphids, mites, and thrips. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. Regular monitoring of the plant is important to detect early infestations.
If the pest infestation is small, you can remove the pests by manually picking them off the plant. For larger infestations, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to manage the pests. Avoid using chemical pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.
Another pest that can affect Thymus schimperi is the root-knot nematode. It can cause stunted growth of the plant and a general decline in health. To manage it, practice good soil hygiene by removing plant debris regularly, rotate crops and use nematode-resistant varieties of Thymus schimperi.
Overall, proper plant care and prevention are key to managing diseases and pests affecting Thymus schimperi. Regular monitoring and early treatment can prevent the spread of diseases and pest infestations.
