Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Calamints, Wild basil

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint)

Distribution: Americas, Asia, Europe

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Comments: Calamintha species are used in the popular Middle Eastern culinary blend called za'atar. Za'atar is a general name for any Middle Eastern herb from the genera Origanum (oregano), Calamintha (calamint), Thymus (thyme) and Satureja (savory). It is also the name for a condiment made from the dried herb(s), mixed together with sesame seeds, dried sumac, often salt, and other spices.