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Summary
Lippia graveolens (Lippia origanoides)
Mexican Oregano is an evergreen shrub to 2m (6ft) found in dry areas, rocky slopes or damp thickets on plains at elevations of 350 metres or less. The leaves have an intense aroma of Oregano (European Oregano). They are commonly used in Central America as a flavouring in tomato pastes and other dishes that require a strong oregano flavour. The dried leaves can be used to make herbal tea. Many people find them preferable to European Oregano due to their intense flavour. Flowers are hermaphrodites, unlike the other species of the same genus. This is a very drought-tolerant plant! Hardy to around -2 °C (30 °F).
Mexican Oregano is native to the southern tip of Texas and south through Mexico into Central America. It is unrelated to true Oregano, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae).
Harvesting: Leaves are harvested throughout the growing season, but the best time for optimal flavour is in late spring to early summer, just before flowering.
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. The plant is self-fertile.
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
Plant 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. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – The flowers of Mexican Oregano are known to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, due to their nectar production.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
No – While the plant provides some cover with its bushy growth, it is not primarily used for food by wildlife nor is it commonly recognized as providing shelter or nesting sites for birds or small animals.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – The dense foliage and structure of the plant can provide some groundcover and overwintering sites for invertebrates, though it is not particularly known for producing significant leaf litter.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
Yes – The strong, aromatic scent of Mexican Oregano can act as a pest deterrent, confusing or repelling some insects due to its intense smell.
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). Mexican Oregano is typically self-fertile. Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season, but the best time to harvest for optimal flavour is in late spring to early summer, just before flowering.
Mexican Oregano typically flowers in summer, producing small, tubular purple flowers. It is a fast-growing perennial herb that often reaches maturity within one season. It can grow quickly in warm climates and will spread if not contained.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant 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.
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (New Mexico (south), Texas), Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Durango, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Campeche, Chiapas, Ciudad de México, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, México, Michoacán de Ocampo, Morelos, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, Quintana Roo, Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave, Yucatán) SOUTHERN AMERICA: Trinidad and Tobago (Trinidad), Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guyana, Venezuela, Brazil (Amazonas, Bahia, Ceará, Distrito Federal, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Pará, Paraná, Piauí, Rio de Janeiro, Roraima), Bolivia (Santa Cruz), Colombia, Argentina (Misiones, Salta), Paraguay (Concepción, Cordillera, Paraguarí)
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.
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Subject : Lippia graveolens
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