Morphological Features of Thymus laevigatus Vahl a Medicinal Plant in Yemen

Authors

  • Younis Ahmed Humaid Sana'a University
  • Mansoor Abdul Halim Al-Thobhani Sana'a University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48347/IMIST.PRSM/ajmap-v9i2.41484

Keywords:

Endemic, Medicinal raw parts, Morphological features, Thymus laevigatus

Abstract

Thymus laevigatus Vahl (Lamiaceae) is an endemic subshrub plant with a herbaceous shape that grows wild in higher mountainous regions in the Northern part of Yemen. Its aerial parts are used locally as an appetizer and in folk medicine. It is used to treat cough and pharyngitis. The identity, conservation, usage and geographical distribution of this species, unlike most other species in the Thymus genus, has not received extensive studies. This study aimed to determine detailed morphological features of T. laevigatus grown in Yemen, to facilitate differentiation and identification of its medicinal raw parts. Fresh specimens from five different natural populations grown in five different locations were morphologically studied. Fresh specimens of the whole plant, stem, leaf, inflorescence and flower parts were compared. Results showed that T. laevigatus is a perennial and subshrub with a herbaceous shape. The stem is repent, monopodial plagiotropic growth and pubescence on all four faces. The leaf is simple with an entire margin. Blade shape differs clearly between specimens collected from different locations. It was observed to be either oblanceolate or oblance-ovate. The inflorescence is capitate type. Bracts are similar to upper leaves in shape, but smaller in size. However, the bracts are distinguished by the presence of tall multicellular trichomes in the lower two-thirds of their blade's edges. The calyx is tubular-campanulate, while the corolla is a campanula-tubular with hairy tube. Corolla's color is either white or pale pink. The results obtained can be used for the development of herbal medicinal plants' regulatory documents in Yemen.

Author Biographies

Younis Ahmed Humaid, Sana'a University

Teaching assistant on Department of Horticulture and its Techniques, Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment

Mansoor Abdul Halim Al-Thobhani, Sana'a University

Assistant Professor of Ornamental Plants, Department of Horticulture and its Techniques, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment

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Published

17-10-2023

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2023)

Section

Research Articles

License

The Corresponding Author transfers and assigns to the Arabian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants  (AJMAP) , during the full term of copyright and any extensions or renewals of that term, all copyright in and to the Work,  including but not limited to the right to publish, republish, transmit, sell, distribute and otherwise use the Work in electronic and print editions of the Journal and in derivative  works throughout the world, in all languages and in all media now known or later developed, and to license or permit others to do so.