Dittany of Crete, Hop marjoram
Origanum dictamnus

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen shrub. It grows 30 cm high and spreads 30 cm across. The leaves are white and felted. They are oval with easy to see veins. The leaves are 2.5 cm long. The flowers are tiny and in purplish bracts. They form drooping heads.

There are 20 Origanum species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally on free draining alkaline soils. It grows in limestone cliffs in Crete. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Crete, Europe, Greece, Mediterannean, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The leaves are used to flavour salads and vermouth. It is used in sauce for use with fish. The flower tops are dried and brewed into tea.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Amaricus dictamnus;