Origanum (/oʊˈrɪɡənəm/ oh-RIG-ə-nəm[3]) is a genus of herbaceous perennials and subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and much of temperate Asia, where they are found in open or mountainous habitats. A few species also naturalized in scattered locations in North America and other regions.[2][4][5][6]
Origanum | |
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Origanum vulgare | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | Lamiaceae |
Tribe: | Mentheae |
Genus: | Origanum L.[1] |
Synonyms[2] | |
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The plants have strongly aromatic leaves and abundant tubular flowers with long-lasting coloured bracts. The genus includes the important group of culinary herbs: marjoram (Origanum majorana) and oregano (Origanum vulgare).[7][8]
With their decorative bracts, Origanum species and cultivars are used as ornamental plants in the garden. The cultivars 'Kent Beauty'[9] and 'Rosenkuppel'[10] have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Origanum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including Coleophora albitarsella.
Species[2]