Marjoram, Sweet marjoram, Sweet basil
Origanum marjorana

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

An annual bushy plant up to 40-60 cm high. It can keep growing from year to year. It has a strong smell. It has small grey green leaves on tough woody stems. The leaves are oval and entire. They are 2.5 cm long. It has knotted flower heads with white, pink or purple flowers.

There are 20 Origanum species. It has anticancer properties.

Where it is found

A Mediterranean climate plant. It is suited to highland areas in the tropics. It is sensitive to frost. (?). It needs a sunny position. In Hobart Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Andes, Andorra, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Britain, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Egypt, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Haiti, Hawaii, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Libya, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, North Africa, North America, Norway, Pacific, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Saudi Arabia (country/location of origin), Scandinavia, SE Asia, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, South America, Southern Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey (country/location of origin), Ukraine, USA, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The sweet spicy leaves are used to flavour meat dishes. They are used in syrups, stews, sauces, soups, sausages, stuffings, etc. They can be used fresh or dried. The seeds flavour sweets, drinks and meat products. Leaves are used to tea.

It is widely cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, herb, spice, seeds, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are mostly grown from seeds. It can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ajedrea, Amaraco, Annual marjoram, Bantulsi, Dag kekigi, Knotted marjoram, Kulka, Maggiorana, Majoran, Marduix, Marjolaine, Marru, Maruga, Maruvamu, Maruvu, Mazuran, Mejorana, Mercankosk, Merian, Murru, Murwa, Rigani, Vrtni majaron, Yon-bwe

Synonyms

Marjorana hortensis Moench; Origanum dubium Boiss.; Origanum odorum Salisb.; Thymus majorana (L.) Kuntze; and several others