Mix 2 tablespoons neem oil with 1 gallon (3.8 l) water in a tank sprayer to create the neem oil-water solution. The branched stems become more or less woody at the base; the plant growing 15 - … It is native to Southern and Eastern Africa. Leaves are grayish green and finely haired and saw-toothed at the edges. Although this plant isn't most notable for its blooms, its foliage takes center stage adding plenty of texture to the garden space. Otherwise, the neem oil can drift or evaporate. 4. Check both surfaces of the Cuban Oregano's leaves each time you water the plant. Succulents are easy to grow, attractive and aromatic. The margins are coarsely crenate to dentate-crenate except in the base. Everything you need to know about Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus), including propagation, ideal conditions and common pests and problems. Note that the Cuban oregano, Plectranthus amboinicus, has much larger leaves than pictures, and a distinctly oregano fragrance. Several species are grown as ornamental plants.. Plectranthus species are used as food plants by the larvae … It is a very aromatic edible plant with tube-shaped purple flowers. Harvesting Cuban oregano leaves for traditional medicinal purposes can be traced back centuries. 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. Plectranthus amboinicus is a perennial succulent with aromatic foliage. Plectranthus coleoides has the common name of Swedish Ivy. As such, it has characteristic thick, fuzzy leaves with a strong pleasing odor. The root is used as medicine. The herb is also used as a substitute for oregano in the food trade and food labelled “oregano-flavoured” may well contain this herb. Spray the solution onto the plant's pest-infested leaves, covering them completely. ex Benth. The Cuban Oregano is a shade loving perennial tropical herb that doubles as an ornamental plant. Water the area immediately to activate the fertilizer. Cuban oregano does most of its growth in spring and summer and prefers hot, dry conditions. Plectranthus amboinicus: Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Cuban oregano isn’t actually oregano, or even mint, thyme, or borage. 0. United States. Replant as many of the sections as desired, spacing them 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 m) apart. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Choose a country to see content specific to your location. What is Cuban oregano? It can be substituted for sage or oregano and is used in salsas, salad dressings, herb breads, and stuffing for meats. Plectranthus species are found in Southern and Tropical Africa and Madagascar, and one in Sri Lanka. This little plant has attractive foliage, the blooms attract pollinators and its use in the kitchen adds another tool to your culinary prowess. Respray the leaves every seven to 14 days until the insects die. Its edible, fragrant, rounded leaves bear a terminal point, serrated margins and a soft pubescence. Choose a site with well-draining, gritty soil in partial sun for this little plant. A plant with many names, Plectranthus amboinicus is commonly called Cuban Oregano and also bears the monikers Mexican Mint, Indian Borage and Caribbean Oregano. (1996) Plectranthus ciliatus: Plectranthus ciliatus E.Mey. It is not a surprise that one can find the plant also listed as Coleus amboinicus. It is often grown as a houseplant but can thrive outdoors in warm season regions or in summer. Water the plant during mid-morning hours to allow moistened foliage time to dry before nightfall. It has huge lot of medicinal uses in Ayurveda as well as in traditional medicine. Plectranthus is a plant genus that is part of the Lamiaceae family. The flowering types generally bloom outdoors during the short days of … I imagine it can be used in cooking exactly the same as regular oregano. 2. Apply 1 tablespoon of 10-10-10, slow-release. Plectranthus species are found in Southern and Tropical Africa and Madagascar, and one in Sri Lanka. Used to wash clothes: Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk (1962) Pooley (1998) Plectranthus esculentus: Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br. Apply 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water from a garden hose directly to the surrounding ground. 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), also known as Spanish thyme, is a member of the mint family. Water Cuban Oregano when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of its soil becomes dry. Plectranthus amboinicus, is native to southeastern Africa where it withstands high heat and considerable drought. Apply a neem oil-water solution to the plant if you find signs of spider mites or find mealybugs. granular fertilizer per 1 square foot (929 square centimeters) of the Cuban Oregano's soil in spring, just as new growth begins on the plant. I have Plectranthus Coleoides, and because of names like tropical mint associated with it thought it was edible. Old stems are smooth (glabrescent). I gave it a try and it's fine. Sometimes called Spanish thyme, Mexican thyme, and Indian borage, the aromatic, edible leaves have a flavor suggestive of a combination of oregano and thyme. Mexican mint, Indian borage, Spanish thyme, French thyme, soup mint, Indian mint, country borage, Jamaica thyme, broadleaf thyme aka syn Coleus amboinicus. Culinary; good with chicken, fish and risotto. Leaves contain pungent oils, which can be harnessed for cooking. 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. 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. It is used in Caribbean, African and Indian cuisine. Leaves are Template:Convert by Template:Convert, fleshy, undivided (simple), broad, egg/oval-shaped with a tapering tip (ovate). Menu. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t need water, however. You've got my curiosity up so I think I'll give it a try next time I'm making a sauce. Overview Information Coleus is a plant from the mint family. 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. 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