Plant of the Week: Cuban Oregano

Common Name: Cuban Oregano (Click for picture)
Latin Name: Plectranthus amboinicus
Origin: Africa...no, it doesn't make sense...

Cuban Oregano is a tender perennial (which means annual for those of you living in Zone 7 or colder). Some people also call it Spanish Thyme. It can be variegated or plain green. It is a very succulent plant...leaves are very fleshy and juicy. The leaves also tend to be velvety and covered with hairs. It is a very spicy, strong smelling plant, and apparently is unique for culinary purposes. I've never actually tried using it in cooking, so I'm afraid I can't recommend any uses.

It is quite attractive in a hanging basket or planted in the garden. It prefers hot, humid conditions, and either partial shade or full sun. Basically, if you are in a really hot, searing location then I'd go with part shade. It is going to be a pretty slow growing plant until the heat of the summer shows up. It is very easy to propagate. You can pretty much drop a leaf on some moist soil and it will root and start growing.