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Origanum L.

Lamiaceae

  Origanum vulgare x
O. laevigatum
: stem
 
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.

Origanum vulgare x O. laevigatum: part of inflorescence

Origanum vulgare x O. laevigatum: inflorescence, closeup (flowers unopened)

Origanum vulgare x O. laevigatum: inflorescence with opened flowers

Origanum vulgare x O. laevigatum: inflorescence, closeup of flowers

Origanum vulgare x O. laevigatum: cluster of two flowers with bracts


 
Origanum vulgare x O. laevigatum 'Herrenhausen'
Photo: © George Whiting, Temple University
 
Origanum vulgare
Photo: © Henriette Kress <http://www.henriettesherbal.com/>
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