Clinopodium corsicum

Perennial of the Lamiaceae family, this species is endemic to Corsica and Sardinia, where it occupies rock crevices, consolidated scree, coastal cliffs, and rocky shores, generally on siliceous granite or schist substrate, from sea level up to about 600 meters altitude. It favors warm and sunny exposures, dry and very well-drained soils.

It forms small, dense, aromatic cushions, mat-forming, barely exceeding 5 to 15 cm in height, with a very compact habit characteristic of plants adapted to windy and exposed rocky environments.

The leaves are very small, oval, medium green to slightly grayish, covered with fine pubescence and releasing an intense mint-thyme scent when crushed, a distinctive aromatic blend that immediately reveals its belonging to Mediterranean Lamiaceae. The flowers are small, tubular, lilac pink to bright pink, grouped in tight whorls at the top of the stems, produced abundantly. In its natural habitat, flowering extends from June to August.

In cultivation, it requires perfect drainage, full sun exposure, and a poor, dry substrate. It is perfectly suited to rock gardens, walls, and Mediterranean gardens. Its hardiness is moderate and it deserves light protection in regions with cold and wet winters.