Zateria

Zateria is a plant genus that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae.

It has only one known species, Zataria multiflora, which is native to southwestern Asia.

Zataria multiflora is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm tall.

It has opposite, ovate to lanceolate leaves that are 1-4 cm long and 0.5-2 cm wide.

The leaves are green, hairy, and aromatic, with serrated margins.

The flowers are small, tubular, and pink to purple, arranged in dense clusters at the end of the branches.

The fruits are tiny, brown, and nut-like, containing four seeds each.

Zataria multiflora is used as a culinary herb and a medicinal plant in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Kashmir.

It has a similar flavor and aroma to thyme, oregano, and marjoram.

It is also known as avishan-e-shirazi, shirazi thyme, or Persian za'atar.