This annual plant with a strictly Mediterranean distribution is present in Sardinia, Lazio and Puglia (of dubious occurence in Basilicata and not reported since a long time from Calabria). The life-cycle can be spent part in water, part on moist to dry soil. It grows in damp sites, on muddy soils that are moist at least in winter and spring, from sea level to about 600 m. The species is very rare in the temporary ponds of Sardinia. The genus name derives from the Greek 'lythron' (blood), for the colour of the flowers and because in the past some species of this genus were believed to be effective in healing wounds; the species name means 'with leaves similar to those of thyme’. Flowering period: April to May. |
