Thymus proximus Serg.

Stems trailing, slender, terete; fertile branches with a retrorse dense line of hairs from base of each leaf, 2-6 cm, sometimes with branchlets. Leaves elliptic, rarely ovate, 0.8-1.2 cm × 3-5 mm, conspicuously glandular abaxially, base attenuate, margin entire or indistinctly serrulate, apex obtuse. Inflorescences capitate or slightly elongated, sometimes with undeveloped verticillasters below; floral leaves sessile, ovate or broadly ovate, margin sparsely ciliate at base. Pedicel 1-4 mm, densely retrorse pubescent. Calyx campanulate, 3.5-4.5 mm, base pilose, apex glabrous; teeth of upper lip triangular, ciliate. Corolla ca. 7 mm, pubescent. Stamens slightly exserted. Fl. Jul-Aug.

Xinjiang [Kazakhstan, Russia].

Wet valleys, sunny hills; 2000-2100 m.