Pot marjoram (Origanum majorana, Sp. Pl.: 590 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 590 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Origanum

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Türkiye, Cyprus

Description

Pot marjoram, scientifically known as Origanum majorana, is a prized member of the Lamiaceae family. Recognized for its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility, this herb is a staple in many kitchens and gardens around the world. The plant holds historical significance, having been meticulously documented in Sp. Pl.: 590 back in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, abbreviated as L.

Growing mainly in the southern regions of Türkiye and Cyprus, pot marjoram thrives in warm climates and well-drained soils. Its delicate, oval-shaped leaves exude a sweet, pine-like fragrance that has made it a favorite in seasoning a variety of dishes, from savory stews and sauces to flavorful meat and vegetable dishes.

Apart from its culinary applications, pot marjoram is also valued in traditional medicine. Its essential oils are often used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to holistic health practices.

The cultivation of pot marjoram is relatively simple, making it an accessible herb for amateur gardeners and seasoned horticulturists alike. It requires a sunny location and moderate watering, flourishing in conditions that mimic its native Mediterranean habitat.

In conclusion, Origanum majorana is a cherished plant that combines practical uses with aesthetic appeal, enriching both kitchens and gardens across the globe.

Common Names

Deu: garten-majoran, majoran
Dan: have-merian
Fra: marjolaine
Eng: sweet marjoram, marjoram, pot marjoram, pot majoram, pot marjorum
Spa: amaraco, mejorana
Hun: kerti majoránna
Ita: maggiorana
Ces: majorán záhradný, majoránka zahradní
Por: manjerona, manjerona-verdadeira
Ell: mantzourana
Nld: marjolein, echte marjolein
Swe: mejram
Cym: penrhudd yr ardd
En: Pot marjoram, Sweet marjoram, Marjoram, Pot Majoram, Pot Marjorum, Knotted Marjoram
Ar: Marzanjush, Bardagusha, Mizunjuske
Ca: Amàrac
Cs: Majorán záhradný, Majoránka zahradní
Da: Have-merian
Nl: Marjolein, Echte marjolein
Fr: Marjolaine, Origan des jardins, Marjolaine des jardins, Origan marjolaine
De: Majoran, Garten-Majoran
El: Mantzourana
Hu: Kerti majoránna
It: Maggiorana, Origano maggiorana
Pt: Manjerona, Manjerona-verdadeira
Ru: Mayoran sadovyj
Es: Mejorana, Amaraco
Sv: Mejram
Cy: Penrhudd yr Ardd

Synonyms

• Majorana cretica var. hortorum (Alef.)
• Origanum dubium (Boiss.)
• Majorana tenuifolia (Gray)
• Origanum odorum (Salisb.)
• Majorana dubia ((Boiss.) Briq.)
• Majorana fragrans (Raf.)
• Amaracus majorana ((L.) Schinz & Thell.)
• Origanum syriacum subsp. dubium ((Boiss.) Holmboe)
• Majorana majorana ((L.) H.Karst.)
• Origanum majorana var. tenuifolium (Weston)
• Majorana ovalifolia (Stokes)
• Majorana hortensis (Moench)
• Origanum confertum (Pi.Savi)
• Origanum salvifolium (Roth)
• Majorana mexicana (M.Martens & Galeotti)
• Origanum majorana var. majoranoides ((Willd.) Nyman)
• Majorana suffruticosa (Raf.)
• Origanum majoranoides (Willd.)
• Majorana ovatifolia (Stokes)
• Majorana vulgaris (Gray)
• Thymus majorana ((L.) Kuntze)
• Majorana uncinata (Stokes)

Distribution

• Cyprus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
• Krym (introduced)
• Libya (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by de la Rosa Joaquín (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by marie carreira (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Insa leiffels (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2020 by jerome celie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Daniel K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Michel AMBROISE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2017 by Castiglioni Augusta (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Marie-Claude Darnajou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 2019 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2019 by Neli pot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 29, 2019 by Kremer Rita (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Samten Norbù (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 25, 2022 by Jagadeesh G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Steve Clews (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Lola Lola (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2019 by sandoval dan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2022 by Barrios Mario (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 26, 2020 by Foresi Juan Pablo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by Marie-Claude Darnajou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by Tyhjä Luut (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by Marie-Claude Darnajou (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926615)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:453303-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Origanum majorana L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 6