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Origanum L.Lamiaceae |
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Alternate trade names
oregano, marjoram Common names
oregano, marjoram Species cultivated
Origanum vulgare L. O. laevigatum Boiss. O. vulgare x O. laevigatum, and possibly others Origin
Mediterranean region. Brief characterization
Stems usually 4-sided, bearing opposite, simple, aromatic leaves, to 4 cm long. Inflorescence appearing paniculate or corymbose, of clustered, whorled flowers ca. 0.5-1.6 cm long; flowers surrounded by brightly colored, conspicuous bracts; actinomorphic, pubescent, 5-toothed calyx, and zygomorphic, bilabiate corolla with 2-lobed or emarginate upper lip and 3-lobed lower lip; stamens 4, fused to corolla. Cultivar and/or species variation
Flowers conspicuous and showy, or inconspicuous and/or immature and obscured by the larger, showy bracts; flowers commonly white, pink or purple, bracts tinged pink to purple. Countries exporting
Kenya, Zimbabwe. |
Photo: © George Whiting, Temple University |
Photo: © Henriette Kress <http://www.henriettesherbal.com/> |