Origanum

Origanum ( oh-RIG-ə-nəm) is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants and subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae. They are native to Europe, North Africa, and much of temperate Asia, where they are found in open or mountainous habitats. A few species also naturalized in scattered locations in North America and other regions. The plants have strongly aromatic leaves and abundant tubular flowers with long-lasting coloured bracts. The genus includes an important group of culinary herbs including marjoram (Origanum majorana), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and za'atar (Origanum syriacum). With their decorative bracts, Origanum species and cultivars are used as ornamental plants in the garden. The cultivars 'Kent Beauty' and 'Rosenkuppel' have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Origanum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including Coleophora albitarsella.