Mexican Oregano
Lippia graveolens

Family: Verbenaceae

What it is like

Lippia graveolens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Dry areas. Rocky slopes or damp thickets on plains at elevations of 350 metres or less.

Central America from Costa Rica, north to Mexico and southern N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Central America*, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Philippines, SE Asia, Tasmania, Tropical America, USA,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

The leaves have an intense aroma of oregano and are commonly used, especially in central America, as a flavouring in tomato pastes and other dishes that require a strong oregano flavour. The leaves are often used by the food industry instead of the true oregano. Many people find them preferable to the European oregano. They are more pungent than European oregano. The dried leaves can be used to make a herbal tea.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 0

Other Uses None known

How it is grown

Prefers a position in full sun in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Prefers a light soil.Flowering Time: Late Spring/Early Summer Mid Summer. Bloom Color: White/Near White. Spacing: 36-48 in. (90-120 cm).

Propagating it: Seed - Basal or nodal softwood cuttings. Cuttings of semi-ripe wood.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 9-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Mexican Oregano, Karabo, Mexican marjoram, Mexican wild sage, Te de pais, amerikanisches oregano, hierba dulce, mexican oregano, mexican sage, mexican-sage, mexikansk oregano, oregano, oregano cimmaron, origan marjolaine, orégano, redbrush lippia, scented lippia, scented matgrass.

Synonyms

Goniostachyum graveolens (Kunth) Small Lantana origanoides M.Martens & Galeotti Lippia berlandieri M