SafePlants

Acinos: Aromatic Herbs of Southern Europe and Western Asia

The genus Acinos encompasses a group of aromatic plants primarily found in southern Europe and western Asia. These plants, belonging to the mint family, are appreciated for their potential use in gardens and rockeries.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species are woody plants.

Considerations for Children

• Some species are woody plants.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Acinos
• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
• Synonyms: Several species previously classified under Satureja, Calamintha, and Clinopodium have been reclassified into the Acinos genus. Examples include:
  • Satureja acinos
  • Calamintha acinos
  • Clinopodium acinos
• Species Examples:
  • Acinos arvensis (Basil Thyme, Spring Savory)
  • Acinos alpinus (Alpine Basil Thyme, Rock Thyme)
  • Acinos graveolens
  • Acinos suaveolens
  • Acinos rotundifolius
  • Acinos fominii
  • Acinos granatensis subsp. aetnensis

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to southern Europe and western Asia.
• Acinos alpinus is found in the Alps and Pyrenees, typically growing on screes, in woods, and in meadows.
• Acinos alpinus subsp. meridionalis inhabits rocky and arid pastures between 800 and 1500 meters above sea level.

Morphological Characteristics

• Acinos arvensis can be either an annual or a short-lived perennial.
• Many Acinos species are low-growing, mound-forming, woody-based evergreen perennials.
• Leaves are typically small, aromatic, elliptic to rounded, and sometimes toothed, ranging from mid- to dark green.
• Clinopodium acinos has creeping or ascending hairy stems and faintly aromatic oval-elliptical leaves.
• Flowers of Clinopodium acinos are deep-violet with white markings on the 3-lobed lip.

Ecological Role

• Acinos arvensis serves as a food plant for the larva of certain moths.
• The decline of Acinos arvensis has been observed in certain areas due to efficient weed control methods.

Quirky Facts

• The name Acinos is derived from the fact that "&cinos y ductos son estructuras comunes a todas las glándulas de secreción. Los acinos glandulares, donde se encuentran las células productoras de leche".