Erva-cidreira (Micromeria forbesii)

Small aromatic shrub (to 30 cm), close-growing and highly branched. Leaves ovate to elliptic, short, more or less pubescent. Inflorescences are axillary, with 3-6 small purple, pink or white flowers. Exclusive to Cape Verde but with a close resemblance to the Tenerife endemic Micromeria teneriffae, which has similar habits and features. It is found on Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santiago, Fogo and Brava, on rocky outcrops and ravine walls, areas of lapilli and lava fields, from 500 to 2,800 m. Common in certain areas, such as Fogo Nature Park, but an endangered species on São Nicolau and Santiago, where it is rare and highly localized. This plant is used in traditional medicine.