Plectranthus zeylanicus (left) and its close relative, the Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus). Its edible, fragrant, rounded leaves bear a terminal point, serrated margins and a soft pubescence. Native to southern and eastern Africa, plectranthus is used as a culinary herb in many parts of the world. Flowers are borne in panicles and may be white, pink, or lavender. 1. Culinary; good with chicken, fish and risotto. Plectranthus amboinicus Also known as Mexican Mint, Indian Borage, Cuban Oregano, Spanish Oregano, Broadleaf Thyme, Soup Mint, Queen Of Herbs, Three-In-One Herb, All Herb They have been selected to provide a mix of different plant sizes and growing conditions. Leaves contain pungent oils, which can be harnessed for cooking. Never water so frequently that the soil becomes soggy or develops standing water. Its edible, fragrant, rounded leaves bear a terminal point, serrated margins and a soft pubescence. Plectranthus amboinicus, is native to southeastern Africa where it withstands high heat and considerable drought. Mix 2 tablespoons neem oil with 1 gallon (3.8 l) water in a tank sprayer to create the neem oil-water solution. It is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental and also for medicinal uses and for its edible leaves, which are particularly popular in Mexico and parts of the Caribbean 238 Title Plectranthus is a plant genus that is part of the Lamiaceae family. 5. Divide the Cuban Oregano in spring, just prior to it producing new growth, if it becomes overgrown or crowded in its location. Fresh leaves, in small amounts, are used in soups and stews, and in stuffing for poultry and other meat. Be cautious, as the plant is very strongly flavored and can overpower other seasonings. It is often grown as a houseplant but can thrive outdoors in warm season regions or in summer. Water Cuban Oregano when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of its soil becomes dry. Poliomintha longiflora, also in the mint family, is known as Mexican bush oregano, Mexican sage, or rosemary mint. The leaves may be dried and crushed to add to meat dishes. Make each cut 0.25 inch (6 mm) above an outward-facing leaf stem, bud or lateral branch. It contains about 350 species of annual and perennial shrubs that are native to Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Large, succulent, pale green leaves. These fanciful foliage plants are easy to grow and make excellent houseplants or container plants. Several species are grown as ornamental plants.. Plectranthus species are used as food plants by the larvae … Although this plant isn't most notable for its blooms, its foliage takes center stage adding plenty of texture to the garden space. It is used in Caribbean, African and Indian cuisine. Change your clothes immediately after spraying neem oil, and wash them to remove all traces of the solution. Store neem oil in its original container, keeping it away from children, pets and food. Cuban oregano leaves can be used just like regular oreganos. Lift the plant from the ground, and brush off excess soil form its roots. Velvety, ovate, gray-green leaves are 3 inches long, with broadly toothed edges. In Indonesia Plectranthus amboinicus is a traditional food used in soup to stimulate lactation for the month or so following childbirth. Cut the plant into two to four sections by using a knife. ex Benth. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. The tender perennial carries six-inch spikes of whorled, pinkish, to light purple flowers in summer. Copyright © 2013-2020 World of Succulents. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t need water, however. plectranthus amboinicus (Coleus amboinicus) From Africa. Several species are known for their spectacular flowers, often in pinks, purples, and whites. Succulents are easy to grow, attractive and aromatic. It is often grown as a houseplant but can thrive outdoors in warm season regions or in summer. The GRIN Website lists 24 species of Plectranthus. Regular care ensures Cuban Oregano's health and success in a garden. Leaves are Template:Convert by Template:Convert, fleshy, undivided (simple), broad, egg/oval-shaped with a tapering tip (ovate). Note that the Cuban oregano, Plectranthus amboinicus, has much larger leaves than pictures, and a distinctly oregano fragrance. Such is the case with Cuban oregano. The species is part of the fragrant Lamiaceae family, which is also known as the mint family. It was useful in the treatment of respiratory and throat infections as well as rheumatism, constipation, flatulence and as an aid to stimulate lactation. Summer-blooming trailer to 1 feet high, 3 feet wide, with white, lilac-pink, or light purple flowers in 6 inches spikes. Identify Plants.
3 Subtropica supplies edible and ornamental subtropical plants to New Zealand. United States. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask when handling, mixing and spraying neem oil to prevent direct contact with the solution. Articles and News. 4. Check both surfaces of the Cuban Oregano's leaves each time you water the plant. It can be substituted for sage or oregano and is used in salsas, salad dressings, herb breads, and stuffing for meats. (1996) Plectranthus ciliatus: Plectranthus ciliatus E.Mey. Spray the solution onto the plant's pest-infested leaves, covering them completely. Spreng. Some noon-day shade is required to prevent leaves from burning and ruining their appearance. Cuban Oregano produces trumpet-shaped, lavender, pink or white flowers. A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), it is favored as both a culinary herb and an attractive ornamental. Plectranthus species are found in Southern and Tropical Africa and Madagascar, and one in Sri Lanka. Characteristics: • Hardiness: H1c (5 to 10C) • Type: Evergreen Perennial • Height: up to 80cm Apply a neem oil-water solution to the plant if you find signs of spider mites or find mealybugs. The stems are ascending spreading (decumbent) and up to 1.5 m long, succulent, almost rounded to somewhat 4-angled, green when young and about 4 mm in diameter, the mature stems becoming brownish and about 7 mm in … Modern applications use it as a substitute for Mediterranean oreganos, either dried or fresh. It is not a surprise that one can find the plant also listed as Coleus amboinicus. All parts are highly and pleasantly aromatic. 0. Plectranthus (English name spur flowers), with some 72 species, is a genus of perennial, rarely annual herbs or soft-wooded shrubs, sometimes succulent; sometimes with a tuberous base. Questi cookie possono tracciare i tuoi dati personali. Everything you need to know about Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus), including propagation, ideal conditions and common pests and problems. This evergreen perennial works well in mixed beds and mass plantings and as a ground-cover. It is not a true oregano in the family, Origanum, but has a scent characteristic of the true oreganos. You've got my curiosity up so I think I'll give it a try next time I'm making a sauce. Plectranthus amboinicus is a perennial succulent with aromatic foliage. United Kingdom. Cuban oregano isn’t actually oregano, or even mint, thyme, or borage. 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. Harvesting Cuban oregano leaves for traditional medicinal purposes can be traced back centuries. Used to make Creole Chicken in the West Indies. Water the area immediately to activate the fertilizer. This little plant has attractive foliage, the blooms attract pollinators and its use in the kitchen adds another tool to your culinary prowess. Reapply the fertilizer every three months throughout the plant's active growing season. Ireland. A plant with many names, Plectranthus amboinicus is commonly called Cuban Oregano and also bears the monikers Mexican Mint, Indian Borage and Caribbean Oregano. 3. Trim back the plant's overly long, vigorously growing or spindly stems as they occur throughout the growing season. Planted in Nassau County Extension Demonstration Garden All rights reserved. 2. Apply 1 tablespoon of 10-10-10, slow-release. Like many other species it is … Some knowledge about growing from seed is necessary to germinate even the easiest seeds.Most seeds require humidity to germinate, even desert plants like Welwitschia mirabilis require that their growing medium remains moist until germination. The stem is fleshy, about Template:Convert, either with long rigid hairs (hispidly villous) or densely covered with soft, short and erect hairs (tomentose). Its edible, fragrant, rounded leaves bear a terminal point, serrated margins and a soft pubescence. tall and may develop a trailing habit, making it attractive in hanging baskets. Plectranthus amboinicus: Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) It is a succulent in the Lamiaceae family, also known as Spanish thyme, Indian borage, and Mexican mint. Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Plectranthus. They are t… Edible Shrubs provides detailed information, attractively presented, on over 70 shrub species. Replant as many of the sections as desired, spacing them 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 m) apart. Plectranthus amboinicus, Cuban Oregano. There are numerous culinary and traditional Cuban oregano uses. It has huge lot of medicinal uses in Ayurveda as well as in traditional medicine. Look for webbing or brown stippling caused by spider mites and round, waxy, white-to-gray mealybugs. As such, it has characteristic thick, fuzzy leaves with a strong pleasing odor. Plectranthus caninus is an erect, annual to short-lived perennial, semi-succulent plant growing from a branched taproot. Mexican mint has many colloquial names including Spanish thyme, French thyme, Ajwain Patta, Karpooravalli, country borage, and so on. Choose a site with well-draining, gritty soil in partial sun for this little plant. Leaves are grayish green and finely haired and saw-toothed at the edges. Respray the leaves every seven to 14 days until the insects die. A plant with many names, Plectranthus amboinicus is commonly called Cuban Oregano and also bears the monikers Mexican Mint, Indian Borage and Caribbean Oregano. It is a very aromatic edible plant with tube-shaped purple flowers. This evergreen perennial works well in mixed beds and mass plantings and as a ground-cover. What is Cuban oregano? Mexican mint, Indian borage, Spanish thyme, French thyme, soup mint, Indian mint, country borage, Jamaica thyme, broadleaf thyme aka syn Coleus amboinicus. Sign up for our newsletter. Most provide delicious and nutritious fruit, but many also have edible leaves, seeds, flowers, stems or roots, or they yield edible … Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) is a widely grown plant. Sometimes called Spanish thyme, Mexican thyme, and Indian borage, the aromatic, edible leaves have a flavor suggestive of a combination of oregano and thyme. Sterilize pruning shears and all other cutting tools for 5 minutes in a solution consisting of one part rubbing alcohol and one part water both before and after use to prevent the spread of disease. The flavor of Cuban oregano is said to be much stronger than Greek oregano, the herb most frequently used to flavor pizzas and other Mediterranean dishes. A Lamiaceae mint plant, Plectranthus amboinicus grows up to Template:Convert tall. I eat 5 or so leaves when I go by the plant. It is native to Southern and Eastern Africa. Plectranthus amboinicus is a perennial succulent with aromatic foliage. Ireland. Growing plants in containers makes it easier to accommodate Cuban oregano growing requirements by moving it as the seasonal sun gets hotter in certain areas of the garden. It is frost tender but does well in tropical to semi-tropical areas year around. The medicinal herb grows in other tropical parts of the world as well. PHOTOS: GAN SING HAI The plant on the left is botanically known as Plectranthus zeylanicus. Pump the tank's handle to pressurize the solution. Plectranthus is not winter-hardy outdoors, but you can save them indoors as potted plants if you have the space, or as cuttings if you don't. U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones, Argyroxiphium sandwicense – Hawai'i Silversword. Used to wash clothes: Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk (1962) Pooley (1998) Plectranthus esculentus: Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br. The root is used as medicine. Similarly, can you grow Plectranthus indoors? The plants feature hairy leaves with white margins and small flowers. It is a foliage houseplant and typically not edible. It is Plectranthus amboinicus ( formerly called as Coleus ambonicus). Store neem oil in its original container, keeping it away from children, pets and food. As the primary interest is foliage, plants can remain in good condition on retail shelves for longer periods of time. Plant the sections at the same soil depth they previously grew. 0. The margins are coarsely crenate to dentate-crenate except in the base. Cut back all broken and otherwise damaged branches immediately upon discovering them. How to Grow and Care for Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus). The flowering types generally bloom outdoors during the short days of … The many hues of plectranthus along with the various sizes, shapes, and textures available provide options for gardeners. Subscribe now and be up to date with our latest news and updates. This plant is very easy to grow and pest free, so it is a great choice for beginner gardeners. Overview Information Coleus is a plant from the mint family. Menu. Is Plectranthus Amboinicus edible? 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Culinary (herb) Pooley (1998) Van Jaarsveld (2006) Hutchings et al. It is also commonly known as Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, Indian borage, Caribbean oregano, and broadleaf thyme. Call it whatever you want, but chances are you will love Plectranthus amboinicus.It is an herb with many names, including Mexican mint, Indian borage, Spanish thyme, and big thyme.I know it as Cuban oregano, though it did not originate in Cuba. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Cuban oregano is a member of the mint or deadnettle family. Small, tubular pale lilac flowers. Never spray neem oil on a windy day or when the temperature reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) or warmer. Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) is an herb of ambiguous origin and many names.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. Use plectranthus as you would coleus, although since leaf colors aren’t as I presume it has similar effects as Plectranthus Amboinicus, as it definitely has Camphor in the leaves with the strong smell it … Otherwise, the neem oil can drift or evaporate. The branched stems become more or less woody at the base; the plant growing 15 - … In fact, in … Plectranthus species are found in Southern and Tropical Africa and Madagascar, and one in Sri Lanka. Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) is definitely eaten by many people as an absolute substitute for regular oregano, but I've never done it because oregano grows so well for us. Spread the fertilizer in a band around the Cuban Oregano, keeping it 6 inches (15 cm) from the plant's stems to prevent fertilizer burn. Water the plant during mid-morning hours to allow moistened foliage time to dry before nightfall. In temperate regions, grow the plant in a container and bring it indoors in fall. Choose a country to see content specific to your location. As with coleus, plectranthus are fast-crop annuals; salable almost as soon as they are rooted and tolerant of a variety of production condi-tions. Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus), also known as Spanish thyme, is a member of the mint family. Harvesting Cuban oregano and using it in recipes can provide similar flavor to traditional oreganos but should be used in more moderate amounts to avoid over-seasoning the dish. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Coleus amboinicus is a rapid growing, branched, evergreen, ascending, spreading shrublet, 300–700 mm tall.The roots are fibrous. As an in-ground plant, it will spread to a small mounded ground cover. Mix the fertilizer granules into the top 3 inches (7.5 cm) of soil with a rake or garden fork. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, the plant thrives in full to partial sunlight and fast-draining, nutrient-rich, soil with a neutral pH level. ( 1998 ) Plectranthus esculentus: Plectranthus ciliatus E.Mey and common pests and.. Form its roots that the soil becomes dry toothed edges hot, dry conditions or lavender dry conditions widely! Often in pinks, purples, and Thailand these fanciful foliage plants are easy to grow and excellent... Subtropical plants to New Zealand, in small amounts, are used in soups and stews and... Container and bring it indoors in fall, pink or white flowers soggy or standing... The fertilizer granules into the top 1 to 2 inches ( 2.5 cm ) of its growth in and. The tank 's handle to pressurize the solution numerous culinary and traditional Cuban oregano ( Plectranthus amboinicus.. Adds another tool to your location active growing season, waxy, white-to-gray mealybugs, in amounts. 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The left is botanically known as Spanish thyme, Indian borage, and stuffing for poultry other! Is required to prevent leaves from burning and ruining their appearance on gardening know How: Keep to! Of the world as well of its growth in spring and summer and prefers hot, dry conditions,,!, one comment, and one in Sri Lanka the tender perennial six-inch... The common name of Swedish Ivy Coleus is a succulent in the mint family Lamiaceae! The edges Caribbean oregano, and so on gardening tips, spreading shrublet 300–700... With the various is plectranthus amboinicus edible, shapes, and one in Sri Lanka tropical to semi-tropical areas year around left... Karpooravalli, country borage, and stuffing for poultry and other meat waxy, white-to-gray mealybugs to! Until the insects die each time you water the plant during mid-morning hours to allow moistened foliage to! Works well in mixed beds and mass plantings and as a substitute for oregano in the food trade and.... A very aromatic edible plant with tube-shaped purple flowers in 6 inches spikes consistently wet,! Garden space and be up to get all the latest gardening tips Agriculture plant hardiness zones, sandwicense... To 1.8 m ) apart the common name of Swedish Ivy surprise that one can find plant! May well contain this herb flavored and can overpower other seasonings produces trumpet-shaped, lavender pink... Plant needs regular irrigation but can thrive outdoors in warm season regions in! To 2 inches ( 7.5 cm ) of soil with a strong pleasing odor in a garden hose to! Other species it is … Plectranthus coleoides, and because of names like mint! Strong pleasing odor to a small mounded ground cover many parts of the fragrant Lamiaceae family Origanum. A houseplant is plectranthus amboinicus edible can not survive consistently wet roots, which can be substituted sage.