12 Mediterranean plants you might not know
The aromatic, medicinal, and even mystical qualities of Mediterranean plants, along with their importance to ecosystems and gardens, make them truly valuable. They’re living treasures, though increasingly under threat, and worth protecting. Over the years, many artists have drawn inspiration from these remarkable plants. In fact, there’s even a World Fascination with Plants Day! Emily Dickinson famously cataloged the flora of her hometown, using it as inspiration for her poems, which she collected in Herbarium & Botanical Anthology. Why not take a page from her book on your next Mediterranean vacation? This short guide will introduce you to some lesser-known species you might encounter.
Wild Mediterranean plants
Mastic Tree (Pistacia lentiscus)
The mastic tree is one of the wild Mediterranean plants you might come across while wandering through the forests of the Balearic Islands. Its resin has been used since ancient Greek times to make chewing gum, and for the Greeks, the mastic tree symbolized purity—maidens would wear garlands made from its branches. You'll recognize the mastic tree by its small red berries, which resemble mistletoe. Although inedible for humans, birds love them. The tree also has a distinct resinous aroma. This fragrant shrub thrives in salty soils, so keep an eye out for it when exploring coastal forests—it’s most at home in these environments.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Some aromatic Mediterranean plants are tied to the zodiac, like St. John’s Wort, which is linked to Leo because of its connection to the Sun and the summer solstice. Its yellow, tear-shaped petals typically bloom around St. John’s Day, giving the plant its name in certain areas. It’s believed that hyperforin, an active compound found in its flowers and leaves, can help boost mood, soothe skin issues, and reduce inflammation. However, it’s important to remember that natural remedies should never be used as a substitute for medical treatments.
Wild Leek (Allium ampeloprasum)
Wild leek adds beauty to forest clearings and roadsides with its pink flowers and distinct fragrance. You can find it thriving in nutrient-rich soils in places like Cádiz, Valencia, and Ibiza. Its bulb grows underground, while the above-ground part can reach up to a meter in height. This plant belongs to a family of wild Mediterranean species with several varieties, all characterized by their inflorescences—cylindrical clusters of flowers grouped in umbels at the top of the stem. Its layered leaves resemble those of regular leeks or spring garlic, and its flavor is a unique blend of both.
Wild Carrot (Daucus carota)
Like many other edible Mediterranean plants, wild carrot can easily be overlooked by the untrained eye. Even if you spot it, it’s best not to pick it, as it plays an important role in attracting bees. Instead, you can make a positive impact by picking up any plastic litter you come across during nature walks—small actions like these help reduce your carbon footprint. The wild carrot, a relative of the common variety, is recognized by its large, round white flower made up of smaller, interconnected blooms. Its stem and leaves are covered in a protective layer that can irritate the skin if touched. The tuber, like that of the common carrot, lies hidden underground.
White Thyme (Thymus mastichina)
Don’t mistake white thyme for the common variety—it’s actually closer to marjoram and is sometimes even called wild marjoram. Native to central and southern Spain, this herb fills mountain fields with its distinct fragrance in areas like the Sierra de Baza and other natural parks in Andalusia. It thrives in sandy, dry soils, and its white flowers produce a powerful essential oil that has been used since ancient times to treat wounds, support respiratory health, and even in love rituals. White thyme is also a honey plant, providing nectar that helps bees produce honey.
Marsh Orchid (Anacamptis palustris)
Despite its delicate appearance, the marsh orchid is one of the most resilient Mediterranean plants. Classified as an endangered species, it is found in only one ecosystem: Mallorca's S’Albufera Natural Park. This plant plays a vital role in maintaining the balance between animal and plant life, with its sweet purple flowers attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. In 2009, a conservation plan was put in place to protect the species, and thanks to these efforts, its population has steadily increased over the past two decades.
Mediterranean garden plants
Mahón Chamomile (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
A garden that truly respects its surroundings incorporates native species. One of the most popular Mediterranean garden plants is Mahón chamomile, from the Asteraceae family. It grows naturally in the wild across the Balearic Islands, Andalusia, and the Levant and can be introduced into coastal gardens without harming the ecosystem. Its botanical name, Santolina, comes from the Latin sanctus, meaning "sacred." The plant’s yellow flower looks like an enlarged achene—the central part of a daisy but without the white petals. When placed in fabric sachets inside closets, it helps to naturally repel moths.
Blue Jasmine (Plumbago auriculata)
Blue jasmine symbolizes the sky and feelings of peace and harmony, connecting humans to the depths of their psyche. Centuries ago, its extract was used to create tinctures for improving women's well-being. Plumbago was introduced to southern Europe from Africa and adapted as a shrub to the local botanical geography. Today, it is one of the best Mediterranean plants to bring joy and color to a garden, naturally fertilize the soil, and attract pollinators. Its abundant leaves and five-petaled flowers, in shades ranging from sky blue to mauve, are rich in resin and nectar.
Ballota (Ballota hirsuta)
Ballota is part of a group of resilient Mediterranean plants that exemplify toughness. It is sown in flowerbeds and permaculture gardens to mimic wild habitats, where it thrives among paths, shrubs, and pastures. Its presence is crucial for regenerative projects aimed at leaving the environment better than it was found. The shrub, covered with rough, light green leaves, blooms between April and September with tiny, magenta or purple sessile flowers (not directly attached to the stem), sometimes striped with white.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Common marjoram shares its herbaceous family (and etymological root) with oregano. Its scent and taste are similar. Marjoram enjoys sunshine and warm weather and likes being in the company of equally lively herbs. Its oval leaves are used as fresh seasoning or dried spice. It has light purple, highly fragrant (and edible) flowers. The essential oil and infusion from these aromatic Mediterranean plants are used in herbal medicine to aid digestion and act as a diuretic and expectorant.
Tree Wormwood (Artemisia arborescens)
Of all the garden or wild Mediterranean plants known as artemisia, tree wormwood requires the least water. Choose it if you want to practice xerogardening, a cultivation method that uses minimal water. It also has a deeply spiritual side. This species, native to southern Europe (abundant in the Balearic Islands and Catalonia), has been revered since ancient times as a connector between the sacred and earthly worlds, attributed with divinatory powers and a feminine essence. Taken as a tea, it is believed to boost intuition. Midwives used it in childbirth and recommended it to relieve menstrual and pregnancy discomfort.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is often included in calming herbal blends along with better-known Mediterranean plants like linden and lemon verbena. If you're seeking a moment of tranquility, its lemony scent and high tannin and eugenol content can help balance your body and mind. In the garden, it promotes biodiversity, attracting not only pollinators but also other hymenopterans—those winged insects like ants and wasps that distribute seeds across the ground and air.
