Pot Marjoram

Origanum onites

Physical Characteristics

Origanum onites is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Leaves - raw or cooked. They are used as a flavouring for salad dressings, vegetables and legumes and are best added in the final stages of cooking[183, 238]. A strong thyme-like aroma, the leaves are used as a substitute for oregano or marjoram, but they are inferior in flavour[183, 238]. A slightly bitter flavour, it is not nearly so sweet and delicate as O. majorana or O. vulgare[244]. Its flavour, however, lasts longer in cooked dishes[244]. A herb tea is made from the leaves[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Antispasmodic Carminative Cholagogue Diaphoretic Disinfectant Emmenagogue Expectorant Stimulant Stomachic Tonic The leaves and flowering stems are antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and mildly tonic[4, 21]. They are harvested in the summer and can be used fresh or dried[238].

Known Hazards

None known