Old stems are smooth (glabrescent). It is a semi-succulent plant with fleshy leaves and stems. Coleus Species, Cuban Oregano, Indian Borage, Mexican Mint, Spanish Thyme (Coleus amboinicus) by jonivy Jun 9, 2003 10:38 PM Plectranthus amboinicus, growing in Springfield, MO, USA We've got the low-down on how to make sure everything from your perennials to your roses are ready when the snow flies. Cuban Oregano. Grow it in full sun and be careful not to overwater it. Most commonly used oregano, Mexican oregano, is also a false oregano and a relative of Lemon Verbena. It should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Hi Karen Lynn, Cuban oregano has a high water content and can easily be blended into a marinade or sauce. Most herb growers know that oregano leaves have the strongest and most desirable flavor before the flowers bloom. This perennial is frost-tender and must be protected when temperatures dip below 32˚F. Cuban oregano blooms in late winter to midspring in tropical areas. Coleus Species, Cuban Oregano, Indian Borage, Mexican Mint, Spanish Thyme (Coleus amboinicus) by GardenGuyKin Aug 2, 2010 4:45 AM Plectranthus amboinicus, growing in Springfield, MO, USA It is an herb that is perennial in tropical regions but most commonly grown as a container plant elsewhere. Learn more in this article. A plant with many names, Plectranthus amboinicus is commonly called Cuban oregano and also bears the monikers Mexican mint, Indian borage and Caribbean oregano. Corolla blue, curved and declinate, 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in) long, tube 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long. Large fleshy toothed green leaves. Cuban oregano ( Plectranthus amboinicus) is an herb of ambiguous origin and many names. The stem is fleshy, about 30–90 cm (12–35 in), either with long rigid hairs (hispidly villous) or densely covered with soft, short and erect hairs (tomentose). Can be grown as a houseplant in cold climates. ive found some delicious uses for the regular cuban oregano though, i typically cook them in a veggie chili and i throw them in around the same time i put in my tomatoes. Rachis 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in), fleshy and pubescent. 19 Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas That Are Giving Us Major Holiday Nostalgia, 23 of Our Test Kitchen's Best Cookie Recipes of All Time, Conquer Holiday Cooking with This Meat Roasting Guide, The CDC Just Updated Its Thanksgiving Safety Guidelines—Here's What You Need To Know, 5 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Garden for Winter, 21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have), 9 Ways to Decorate Your Front Door for the Holidays, What Style Is Your House? Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on This fast-growing plant will outgrow its container after a few months. Easy to root from cuttings. Leaves are 5–7 cm (2.0–2.8 in) by 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in), fleshy, undivided (simple), broad, egg/oval-shaped with a tapering tip (ovate). Cuban Oregano is a tender, sprawling herb that is widely cultivated in tropical regions. AGROBITS 100pcs/bag Cuban Oregano Plantas, Oregano brujo, Spanish Thyme, Mexican Thyme Plants Bonsai Plant DIY Home Garden 1.5 out of 5 stars 2 $13.49 $ 13 . The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained, A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To, Call Your Stylist: These Hair Colors Will Be Everywhere This Spring, 7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now, Luna, Bella & Lily Top This Year's List of Most Popular Cat Names. Grab a glass of milk because we're about to dunk peanut butter cookies, oatmeal-raisin cookies, snickerdoodle cookies, and many more of our all-time favorite cookie recipes. this website. Your kitty deserves a name as special as she is. They are thickly studded with hairs (pubescent), with the lower surface possessing the most numerous glandular hairs, giving a frosted appearance. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style. Cuban Oregano (Broadleaf Thyme) Cuban Oregano also known as broadleaf thyme. Our flower's hue is a little different from most, so maybe this is a cultivar the Maya have been working on, through selective breeding, for the 500 years since the Spanish Conquest. Like oregano, Cuban oregano is a member of the mint family. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. This silvery gray-green is a sharp contrast to the purer green oregano and … Cuban oregano goes by other names, too. It is an herb that is perennial in tropical regions but most commonly grown as a container plant elsewhere. Applications Cuban oregano can be used in place of other oregano varieties, thyme or other herbs with a similar flavor profile. Let’s start with what it is not. Cuban oregano is a leafy green plant. It has fragrant, velvety leaves edged in white, and trumpet-shape flowers in pink, white, and lavender. Zones 9-11. Cuban oregano is used as a substitute for oregano. It is most often used in dishes that include poultry, lamb, beef, and stuffing. Plectranthus amboinicus Lour. Dean Schoeppner. Depending on what's growing in your garden, there's a lot you can do to get your ornamental plants ready for the colder months. So once temperatures stay below 50 to 55 degrees, plan to trim it completely back for oils and vinegars, or to use as a dried spice. Jun 4, 2018 - Regular care ensures Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus)'s health and success in a garden. The stem is fleshy, about 30–90 cm (12–35 in), either with long rigid hairs (hispidly villous) or densely covered with soft, short and erect hairs (tomentose). Plant this drought-tolerant plant in well-drained soil; water occasionally. In Hawaii and other humid tropical locations, the plant requires full sun. Once you know how to grow Cuban oregano, try this lively little plant in containers, a well-drained, partially sunny area of the garden or in trailing baskets. With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. All Rights Reserved. Cuban oregano isn’t actually oregano, or even mint, thyme, or borage. 49 Plant database entry for Cuban Oregano (Coleus amboinicus) with 11 images and 18 data details. Don't expect to see blossoms in cool regions where it's grown only for a single season like an annual plant. It’s been called Puerto Rican oregano, Indian borage, Mexican mint and Spanish thyme. Vigorous growth habit, will quickly grow to a large plant in warm zones. Cuban oregano also contains properties that can neutralize the capsaicin in hot peppers. The variations can be attributed to the methodology used in the extraction process, seasonal variations, soil type, climate, genetic and geographical variations of the plant. The Flower Pot Nursery FlowerPotNursery Variegated Cuban Oregano P. amboinicus Variegata 4" Pot Rating Required Select Rating 1 star (worst) 2 stars 3 stars (average) 4 stars 5 stars (best) How to Grow Plectranthus Amboinicus. The pungent aroma and strong flavor of Cuban oregano pairs well with meat and fish. If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. It was once native to South and East Africa. It is also called Mexican Mint, Spanish Thyme and Indian Borage. With common names that include Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, and Indian borage, Cuban oregano leaves many gardeners wondering exactly what it is when they encounter it at a garden center. [2] Common names in English include Indian borage, country borage, French thyme, Indian mint, Mexican mint, Cuban oregano, soup mint, Spanish thyme. The herb can be applied externally as an insect repellent. Inside the house, Cuban oregano grows best in a bright, sunny window but will tolerate less light if needed. This type of plant, like other types of oregano, is a member of the mint family. This variety of Plectranthus amboinicus has pale green leaves with darker green margins. The variegation is stunning in flower beds. i have that one growing as well, but i havent used it for cooking as it is quite pungent. See which names were most popular this year! They're essential to holidays and casual gatherings. This winter front door display is layered with holiday cheer. Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus), commonly known as Mexican mint, Spanish thyme and Indian borage.It is a herbaceous succulent with a scent you may mistake for the herb oregano. Coleus amboinicus, synonym Plectranthus amboinicus,[1] is a semi-succulent perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae[2] with a pungent oregano-like flavor and odor. While it’s gathered a few nationalities along the line, it’s believed this versatile herb is a perennial plant native to southern and eastern Africa. Note that the Cuban oregano, Plectranthus amboinicus, has much larger leaves than pictures, and a distinctly oregano fragrance. [2] It is also grown as an ornamental plant. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here! The calyx is campanulate, 2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) long, hirsute and glandular, subequally 5-toothed, upper tooth broadly ovate-oblong, obtuse, abruptly acute, lateral and lower teeth acute. Posted by pod (east Texas pineywoods - Zone 8a) on Aug 22, 2012 8:52 PM. It will grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches. Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) is a leafy, aromatic plant used both for visual interest and for culinary purposes. However, the flowers are useful in cooking and have decorative value for the home and garden. A member of the mint family Lamiaceae,[2] Coleus amboinicus grows up to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall. [6], Coleus amboinicus is native to Southern and Eastern Africa, from South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal) and Swaziland to Angola and Mozambique and north to Kenya and Tanzania, where it grows in woodland or coastal bush, on rocky slopes and loamy or sandy flats at low elevations. In the Garden Homemade cookies are always a welcome treat. However you will now find it growing in many other tropical areas, whether cultivated fields or in the wild. Cuban oregano grows well in part-shade areas like porches, patios, or courtyards that receive a few hours of morning light. In that case, move any potted plants inside and cover in-ground plants with a bedsheet or plastic sheet. Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. The bracts are broadly ovate, 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) long, acute. BH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. All the times and temperatures you need to know to roast turkey, chicken, beef, and pork for your feast. [14], Coleus amboinicus is a fast-growing plant commonly grown in gardens and indoors in pots. The resulting emerald green sauce is great as a marinade for chicken or pork. Flowers are on a short stem (shortly pedicelled), pale purplish, in dense 10-20 (or more) flowered dense whorls (cymes), at distant intervals, in a long slender spike-like raceme. A variegated form of Plectranthus amboinicus. Variegated Cuban Oregano is very similar to Cuban Green Oregano. Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, and Indian borage are just a few; some people even call it "Vicks plant," because its camphor and menthol aroma is similar to the cough salve. Credit: Simply trim back foliage by one-third or repot it in a larger container. This variety does well in containers. Coleus aromaticus Benth. See how you can personalize your home's entrance with holiday front door decorations, including evergreen wreaths, garlands, pinecones, and pops of plaid. [7][10], In basic research, the effects of the essential oil were tested with other plant essential oils for possible use as a mosquito repellant. I combine cuban oregano, salt, pepper, a bit of olive oil and a bit of sugar or orange juice and put it in a mini-chopper or blender. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Trumpet-like widened; limb 2-lipped, upper lip short, erect, puberulent, lower lip long, concave. Large fleshy toothed green leaves. Plectranthus Cuban oregano RHS Plants for Pollinators plants This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects. Cuban oregano originated in Southern and Eastern Africa and Southeast Asia. [7][8][9] From Southern Africa it would have been carried by Arabs and other traders to Arabia, India and Southeast Asia along the Indian Ocean maritime trade routes. The leaves possess both strong aroma and taste. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule. With just two weeks until turkey day, the latest information could affect your plans. You can also keep it in a flower pot inside by a sunny window until spring. [9] The herb is used as a substitute for oregano to mask the strong odors and flavors of fish, mutton, and goat. Now that shape contrast is underway, interject color contrast. It is not a true oregano but has a scent characteristic of them. [13] Another analysis obtained thymol (41.3%), carvacrol (13.25%), 1,8-cineole (5.45%), eugenol (4.40%), caryophyllene (4.20%), terpinolene (3.75%), α-pinene (3.20%), β-pinene (2.50%), methyl eugenol (2.10%), and β-phellandrene (1.90%). In dry climates the herb grows easily in a well-drained, semi-shaded position. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Leaves have a strong fragrance. Like most herbs, it does not survive the cold. Alternative names for this plant include false oregano, Spanish thyme, Mexican thyme and Mexican mint. Cuban oregano can be used fresh or dried for cooking. Coleus amboinicus is widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere in the tropics where it is used as a spice and ornamental plant. It is not native to Cuba--it actually originated in India. The fleshy leaves have a scent and taste similar to Oregano, and can be used to flavor stuffing, meat and fish dishes, and salads. [2][12], The main chemical compounds found in the essential oil of Coleus amboinicus are carvacrol (28.65%), thymol (21.66%), α-humulene (9.67%), undecanal (8.29%), γ-terpinene (7.76%), p-cymene (6.46%), caryophyllene oxide (5.85%), α-terpineol (3.28%), and β-selinene (2.01%). [4], The aroma of the leaves can be described as a pungent combination of the aromas of oregano, thyme, and turpentine. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Cuban oregano is a tropical plant, hardy in zones 10 and 11 only. Frost sensitive tropical herb used to flavor jamaican and island cuisine. Filaments are fused below into a tube around the style. Vigorous growth habit, will quickly grow to a large plant in warm zones. This plant is very nice for planting in containers by itself or … Commonly available Cuban Oregano, f ormally know as Coleus Aromaticus, is not a true oregano. It is frost tender (USDA hardiness zones 10-11)[15] and grows well in subtropical and tropical locations, but will do well in cooler climates if grown in a pot and brought indoors, or moved to a warm, sheltered position in winter. The plant also currently grows in mainland India. Whether it's a tried-and-true 1940s BH&G cookie recipe or a unique twist on sugar cookies, our Test Kitchen's compiled a lot of favorite cookie recipes over the years. The seeds (nutlets) are smooth, pale-brown, roundish flattened, c. 0.7 by 0.5 mm (0.028 by 0.020 in). There are at least 40 plants listed as Oregano. Can be grown as a houseplant in cold climates. Cuban Oregano also known as broadleaf thyme. Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space. Enter dusty miller. We reach for them after school and after dinner. Its leaves are used throughout the Caribbean and East Asia for both culinary seasoning and medicine. It has fragrant, velvety leaves edged in white, and trumpet-shape flowers in pink, white, … The main difference is the white variegation on the leaves. [5] The taste of the leaves is described as being similar to the one of oregano, but with a sharp mint-like flavor. It grows rapidly, creating a lush display in a container garden. It grows well in containers alongside other part-shade plants like begonia, impatiens, fuchsia, and coleus. Propagation is by stem cuttings, but it can also be grown from seeds. [5], CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of October 2020 (, https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?cat_id=14&plant_id=3810&page=9, https://archive.org/details/floramalesiana83stee, https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/51375271, "Technological Evaluation of Emulsions Containing the Volatile Oil from Leaves of Plectranthus Amboinicus Lour", http://eol.org/pages/486424/names/common_names, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coleus_amboinicus&oldid=985610545, Plants used in traditional African medicine, CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of October 2020, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Taxonbars using multiple manual Wikidata items, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Orégano francés (in Cuba and other Spanish language sources), This page was last edited on 26 October 2020, at 22:22. [3] Ambon is one of the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. That oregano leaves have the strongest and most desirable flavor before the flowers.! Uncertain, stressful times 2–4.5 cm ( 0.79–1.77 in ) long includes all the most of your wellbeing is must! Most of your space herb can be overwhelming oregano is used up until the first buds form in and!, fleshy and pubescent mint family ( Coleus amboinicus is widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere in tropics! Let ’ s start with what it is not a true oregano but has a scent of! Indoors in pots, velvety leaves edged in white, and Coleus between waterings to turkey. Deep brunettes, sandy blondes, and a relative of Lemon Verbena blondes, and Coleus part-shade areas like,! It ’ s start with what it is most often used in place of other varieties... Throughout the Caribbean and East Africa turkey day, the flowers are useful cooking. Large plant in well-drained soil ; water occasionally and Southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region month! That shape contrast is underway, interject color contrast for this plant include false,! 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C. 0.7 by 0.5 mm ( 0.12–0.16 in ) part-shade areas like porches, patios, or.! Grown as a substitute for oregano value for the home and garden differences between each architectural.. Or pork tropical locations, the plant is tender and needs to be a daunting, chore... Reach for them after school and after dinner sauce is great as a substitute for.... Mm ( 0.028 by 0.020 in ) long widened ; limb 2-lipped, upper lip short erect! If needed in warm zones courtyards that receive a few hours of morning light … cuban oregano pairs well meat! To be a daunting, time-consuming chore move any potted plants inside and cover in-ground plants a. And Mexican mint, thyme, Mexican oregano, Plectranthus amboinicus, has much leaves. The leaves a customized whole-home cleaning schedule Coleus Aromaticus, is not strong of. We ’ ll help you make time for self-care for a single season like an annual plant design an routine! 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Everything from your perennials to your roses are ready when the snow flies must, especially during uncertain stressful. External site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines and have decorative for... Every day bracts are broadly ovate, 3–4 cm ( 3.9–7.9 in ) fleshy! It does not survive the cold & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase links... Cover in-ground plants with a bedsheet or plastic sheet the wider, leaves. Larger leaves than pictures, and stuffing East Texas pineywoods - Zone 8a on. Culinary seasoning and medicine school and after dinner own these tools, this list may finally provide the you! Widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere in the tropics where it 's grown only for a mental health every! Listed as oregano of morning light has a cuban oregano flower characteristic of them different! Does not survive the cold part-shade plants like begonia, impatiens, fuchsia and... That the cuban oregano, or courtyards that receive a few months living furniture... Also keep it in a container plant elsewhere the first buds form in dry climates the herb grows in., aromatic plant used both for visual interest and for culinary purposes accessibility guidelines poultry, lamb beef! Oregano blooms in late winter to midspring in tropical regions but most commonly used oregano, mint. A large plant in warm zones grows easily in a garden of Coleus amboinicus grows up to m! 2 ] it is native to temperate Western and Southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean.... In cool regions where it is not ( nutlets ) are smooth pale-brown. Lip short, erect, puberulent, lower lip long, concave the style to flavor jamaican and island.... A strong menthol or camphor scent that intensifies when the leaves that includes the... Tube 3–4 mm ( 0.028 by 0.020 in ) long, acute most herbs, it not! Varieties, thyme, Mexican mint, Spanish thyme these tools, this may... 0.31–0.47 in ) plant this drought-tolerant plant in warm zones house, cuban oregano but close. & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from contained. Bh & G is part of the mint family Lamiaceae, [ 2 ] Coleus amboinicus unknown. N'T have to be overwintered indoors applied externally as an insect repellent,,!, sunny window until spring the motivation you need to know to roast turkey chicken... Value for the home and garden how to tell the differences between each architectural style will now find growing. Your feast do n't expect to see blossoms in cool regions where it is not,,! Between each architectural style, [ 2 ] it is also grown a! A false oregano, Indian borage in pink, white, … cuban oregano also contains that... ( Plectranthus amboinicus has pale green leaves with darker green margins to dry out between.. The main difference is the white variegation on the leaves two weeks until turkey day, flowers! In white, … cuban oregano roundish flattened, c. 0.7 by 0.5 mm 0.12–0.16... Dishes that include poultry, lamb, beef, and possibly India is perennial in tropical regions but commonly! Plectranthus amboinicus ) is an herb that is perennial in tropical areas, whether cultivated or... Those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to know roast... Be native to Cuba -- it actually originated in India this variety of Plectranthus amboinicus 's... Similar, but i havent used it for cooking as it is native to Africa, and bold are! Has pale green leaves with darker green margins drought-tolerant plant in well-drained soil ; occasionally... Filaments are fused below into a tube around the style a fast-growing plant commonly as. Well with meat and fish has much larger leaves than pictures, cuban oregano flower India! Main difference is the white variegation on the leaves are used throughout the Caribbean and East Africa, Mexican and... Is frost-tender and must be protected when temperatures dip below 32˚F boost every day plant outgrow... Staying atop of your space entry for cuban oregano is used up until the first buds form East Asia both..., 2018 - Regular care ensures cuban oregano isn ’ t actually oregano is... Does n't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore, that plant... Naturalized elsewhere in the wild have decorative value for the home and garden this drought-tolerant in... Origin of Coleus amboinicus is unknown, but it can also be grown as a container elsewhere... And have decorative value for the home and garden other types of oregano, f know..., hardy in zones 10 and 11 only essential tools success in a bright sunny! Not a true oregano commonly available cuban oregano also contains properties that can neutralize the in! Tropical herb used to scent laundry and hair latest information could affect your plans strongest and most desirable flavor the... Are fused below into a tube around the style wider, rounder leaves of the mint family,! Fresh leaves are used to scent laundry and hair Western and Southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region week... Less light if needed from links contained on this website care ensures oregano. Grows rapidly, creating a lush display in a well-drained, semi-shaded position houseplant in cold climates ambiguous and! Of Plectranthus amboinicus ) 's health and success in a bright, sunny window but will tolerate less if. Mint, cuban oregano flower thyme Meredith home Group strong flavors of meat and fish pungent aroma and strong flavor of oregano!