When handling these plants they release a strong aroma. Seeing these leaves up close it makes sense why, they are coated in oil. Thymol is the main active ingredient in these leaves, but there are other compounds as well. But the strong fragrance comes from these oils and it has many uses. It can be used as a disinfectant, to control mites, parasitic worms, and used in cooking. It has been a go to plant for centuries and even to this day you can commonly find Thyme based chemicals in your toothpaste.
 Camera Model | Lumix GH6 |
|---|---|
 Lens | Olympus MSC ED M. 60mm Macro lens |
 Filter | none |
 Aperture | f/13 |
 Shutter Speed | 1/100 sec |
 Film Speed | 3200 |
 Spectrum | Visual Light |
 Wavelength | 380 through 700 nanometers |
 Location | North Georgia USA. |
I first noticed the leaves had "dots" on them while taking some macro photos, though until I went into "super-macro" mode I could not see them in detail.
The smell is quite enjoyable, and looking forward to using some to cook with.
When you touch the leaves the oil breaks open, most of these herbs you need to rip the leaf open to release the oils though not the case with Thyme as its on the outside of the plant.
Makes sense why people would like these for their lawns, when you step on it the oils are released and makes for a pleasant smell.
Probably some of those fragrant oils is in the plant as well.
The back of the leaves seem not to have these drops of oil, only on the front.
As I was watering them a drop got caught on a leaf, made for a cool macro shot.
I wonder as the plant grows will more oil form on the leaves.
Just about every Thyme plant I checked out had these oils on them.
Even the newest growth had some of the oil. Seems it forms right away.
As we exit super macro mode its harder to see it but if you look close it can be spotted.
First I thought it was just the texture of the leaves, but upon seeing it close up it made more sense.
Cant wait to see how they do outdoors, I will probably need to give them a little cover like @myjob pointed out.
Just another week or two.. we are going to have some temperatures down into the 30s. As we near April that will become more rare and the plants should be ready to go outside.
Until then I will give them water every other day, and let them keep getting bigger. But pretty cool to see them up close and discover the secret to their aroma.