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Summary
Physical Characteristics

Lippia graveolens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects.
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 and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Goniostachyum graveolens (Kunth) Small Lantana origanoides M.Martens & Galeotti Lippia berlandieri M
Habitats
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses: Condiment Tea
The leaves have an intense aroma of oregano and are commonly used, especially in central America, as a flavouring in tomato pastes and other dishes that require a strong oregano flavour[301 ]. The leaves are often used by the food industry instead of the true oregano[238 ]. Many people find them preferable to the European oregano[301 ]. They are more pungent than European oregano[200 ]. The dried leaves can be used to make a herbal tea[301 ].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Attracts nectar-feeding butterflies, bees and other insects, and seed-eating birds. Attractive flowers.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers a position in full sun in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil[200 ]. Prefers light soil[238 ].a very drought-tolerant plant! Hardy to around -2 °C (30 °F). Flowering Time: Late Spring/Early Summer Mid Summer. Bloom Color: White/Near White. Spacing: 36-48 in. (90-120 cm).
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
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The PFAF Bookshop
Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.
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Propagation
Seed - Basal or nodal softwood cuttings[200 ]. Cuttings of semi-ripe wood.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Mexican Oregano, Karabo, Mexican marjoram, Mexican wild sage, Te de pais, amerikanisches oregano, hierba dulce, mexican oregano, mexican sage, mexican-sage, mexikansk oregano, oregano, oregano cimmaron, origan marjolaine, orégano, redbrush lippia, scented lippia, scented matgrass.
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Native to the southern tip of Texas, south through Mexico into Central America. Found in Africa, Australia, Central America*, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Philippines, SE Asia, Tasmania, Tropical America, USA.
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Kunth
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
Readers comment
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Subject : Lippia graveolens
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