VARIEGATED PLECTRANTHUS AMBOINICUS (CUBAN OREGANO, SPANISH THYME, INDIAN BORAGE)

Description: Plectranthus Amboinicus (Cuban Oregano) is a fast-growing semi-succulent perennial plant native to Southern and Eastern Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania. It is believed that Arabs and other traders carried it from South Africa to Arabia, India, and Southeast Asia. Eventually the plant made it's way to Europe and from Spain to the Americas where it is believed to have acquired the name Spanish Thyme. The leaves have a soft velvety texture and a pungent aroma that some describe as being similar to thyme or oregano with a sharp, mint-like peppery flavor. Although similar in flavor to oregano or thyme it is not related to either plant and is actually a member of the mint family. When handled, the leaves release a strong aroma of oregano/thyme which many find very soothing. This is a perennial commonly grown in gardens as an accent plant in landscaping, indoor in pots and looks particularly beautiful in hanging baskets. This plant can also be propagated from seeds, and is easily propagated from stem cuttings with an almost 100% strike rate that would make even the worse gardener very proud!! Cuban oregano is another of the many wonderful low maintenance plants that is excellent for gardeners who don't have a lot of time to tend to their plants. Because this plant is a succulent, it can do very well despite periods of neglect. Like many succulents it does not like it's feet to remain wet which can lead to root rot, so water sparingly if the soil becomes very dry or if the leaves appear somewhat wilted. To determine if your plant is too dry, simply insert your finger about 2 to 3 inches into the soil and if the soil feels dry then water well until the soil becomes wet. Water Cuban Oregano mainly when the soil is completely dry, then provide enough water to drench the soil to about 6 inches deep. Do not leave your plant in standing water for extended periods of time. Cuban Oregano grows quickly in well drained soils and in semi-shade to full sun conditions in both tropical as well as subtropical locations. In colder climates (USDA HARDINESS ZONES 10-11) it can be brought indoors to a warm sheltered location where it will thrive and be at home until the temperature warms up. It is widely seen throughout the tropics where it is used as an ornamental aromatic plant, as well as a spice. Culinary applications are seen in the cuisines of Cuba where it is used with black beans and salsas. In the West Indies it can be found as dried herb used in jerk seasoning. Fish curries and Mutton dishes are seasoned with this herb in India, Japan prepares and cooks the leaves like spinach. The Philippines use it to flavor their soups and stews. This plant makes a fine addition to both your garden and your kitchen. In any event, because of it's rapid growth and productivity, you probably will never have to buy Oregano for a very long time if you use this herb a lot in your cooking. Even more interesting are it's reputed health benefits! Traditional medicine has demonstrated many uses for the Cuban oregano plant. In China and Singapore it is used in medicinal teas where it is believed to act as an antispasmodic to soothe digestive issues. Antibiotic and expectorant properties find it's use in home made cough medicines where juice from the leaves are sometimes mixed with sugar or honey (also a natural antibiotic/antiviral food) to soothe sore throats. In Curacao and Aruba, the herb is used as a remedy for Headaches. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS INFORMATION IS STRICTLY FOR CULTURAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED TO TREAT DISEASE. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN IN ANY MATTERS CONCERNING MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR YOUR CONDITION. PS: BE AWARE THAT I DO LIKE TO GIVE A FREE CUTTINGS TO ALL MY LOYAL CUSTOMERS AS A THANK YOU FOR YOUR PURCHASE AND TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE AN EXTRA CUTTING IN THE RARE EVENT THAT ONE OF YOUR CUTTINGS DOES NOT TAKE. PEACE :)) .

Price: 17 USD

Location: Cape Coral, Florida

End Time: 2023-12-23T20:43:18.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD