Jamaican Oregano (Lippia micromera)
Jamaican Oregano is a highly aromatic tropical perennial herb with a long history as a spice and medicine in the Caribbeans, and the Americas. It's a close relative of Aztec Sweet Herb. Jamaican Oregano is a tender woody shrub with cascading branches. The plant has small fragrant leaves and tiny white flowers that are very attractive to bees and other pollinators.
In the kitchen, Jamaican Oregano leaves have a similar flavor profile to Mediterranean Oregano, but the aroma and taste is much more rich and intense. It is a staple spice in Caribbean cuisine. Jamaican Oregano really shines in the medicine cabinet and was traditionally used for asthma, bronchitis, common cold, cough, flu, oliguria, to support digestion and to ease stomach infections.
Other common names include Spanish Thyme, Oregano del Pais, Oregano Poleo, Puerto Rican Oregano, Dominican Oregano, Oregano Chiquito, False Thyme, Oregato and Oreganillo. Photos: Herbs From Distant Lands, Useful Tropical Plants.
Plant Type:
Perennial Evergreen Herb
Easily grown in cooler climates as an annual or grown in containers and over-wintered indoors
Harvest Season:
Year-round
Mature Size:
Up to 1-3 ft. tall and wide.
Soil & Moisture:
Loves rich, moist, well-draining soil.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 8-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Grown in colder zones as an annual.
Propagation:
Our Jamaican Oregano is grown from cutting and capable for bountiful harvests within one growing season.
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