Cuban Oregano

Thanks to the gift of a dear friend, I now have a new plant for the garden. It's called by many names, Cuban oregano being one of them. This is where the professional botanists like to chime in and remind us of the critical importance of scientific names. In this case, this plant, which is actually neither Cuban nor a true oregano, bears the catchy handle of Plectranthus amboinicus.

As I said, it's not a true oregano but it is a member of the same family, Lamiaceae, a big group that includes mints and other aromatic and tasty herbs.

Plectranthus amboinicus -- oh, let me just call it Cuban oregano -- has a taste like oregano and thyme blended, and a fatal aversion to freezing weather. Will have to come inside for the winter.

I have a decent-sized yard if not a big one, and over the years, have added lavender, peppermint, spearmint, chives, winter savory, thyme and lemon balm. Most herbs are easy to grow, many are perennials, and don't require much pampering -- so if you have dirt of your own or just a sunny patio where you can put a few pots, you should be growing some. Much better than paying good money for some limp cut herb from the grocery when your recipe calls for it.