Accession #: 201000160
Accession Date: 2003-10-20
Common name: Cuban Oregano
Family: Lamiaceae
Synonym(s):
Country of Origin: Kenya to S. Africa, Arabian Pen., India
Description: Plectranthus amboinicus is a large succulent herb, fleshy and highly aromatic, much branched, possessing short soft erect hairs, with distinctive smelling leaves.[2] The stem is fleshy, about 30–90 cm, either with long rigid hairs (hispidly villous) or tomentose (densely covered with soft, short and erect hairs, pubescent). Leaves are undivided (simple), broad, egg/oval-shaped with a tapering tip (ovate) and very thick, they are pubescent (thickly studded with hairs), with the lower surface possessing the most numerous glandular hairs, giving a frosted appearance. The taste of this leaf is pleasantly aromatic with agreeable and refreshing odour. Flowers are on a short stem (shortly pedicelled), pale purplish in dense whorls at distant intervals in a long slender raceme.3
Uses: The leaves are strongly flavoured and make an excellent addition to stuffings for meat and poultry. Finely chopped, they can also be used to flavour meat dishes, especially beef, lamb and game.<sup>3</sup> <p> The leaves have also had many traditional medicinal uses, especially for the treatment of coughs, sore throats and nasal congestion.<sup>3</sup>
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
USDA Zone: 9a-11
Source: Matt Opel ex Art Scarpa (CCSS)
Provenance:
Restrictions:
Culture:
subtropical or tropical conditions, light shade, water sparingly