Study of the biology and essential oil content of Thymus praecox Opiz – species introduced and researched in the Botanical Garden

This paper covers a study of the developmental biology of a thyme species, Thymus praecox Opiz, introduced and researched under the pedoclimatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova. The adaptive potential of the species has been assessed. The propagation methods have been investigated. The species has been studied as a promising aromatic plant, due to the presence of essential oil in all above-ground organs of the plant, with a pleasant, intense, medicinal and unmistakable smell. Due to its intense fragrance and chemical composition, the essential oil provides numerous health benefits, especially antiseptic and antimicrobial effects; besides, it is used in the culinary arts due to its unique flavor. It is recommended as an ingredient in cosmetics, perfumes or aromatherapy products. In addition, it is a promising species for use in landscaping, as an ornamental plant. It can be included in the range of aromatic plants and cultivated in the Republic of Moldova.