Cuban Oregano (Afrika-tiemie)

Cuban Oregano (Afrika-tiemie) #

Coleus amboinicus

Placehoder

Quick Info #

  • Distribution & habitat: Native to Africa, Mexico and Central American countries; grows best in warm climates
  • Cultivation: prefers plenty of sunlight; grow in well-drained soil and water regularly during summer
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Florescence: late summer to autumn, although it can flower at other times in cultivation, and especially the tropics
  • Name origin: named by the botanist Loureiro from the spice island of Amboina in the Far East
  • Other names: African thyme, broad-leaf thyme, Caribbean oregano, country borage, French thyme, Indian borage, Indian mint, Mexican mint, soup mint, Spanish thyme
  • Plant: perennial

Description #

The fragrant Cuban oregano, an easily grown and propagated shrub, can grow up to around 1 metre in height. It has small, bell-shaped flowers that can be lilac, mauve or whitish, and the broad, fleshy, oval, waxy leaves have thick veins and a pungent aroma.

The surface of the stem is covered in hairs that are dense, translucent and whitish. The stem itself is green when young, turning brownish with age. The fruit or seed is a dark to light brown, somewhat flat nutlet.

Uses & Ecology #

The flavour of Cuban oregano is outstanding. It’s been described as similar to regular oregano, but with a touch of mint – thus a combination of sharp and sweet. This adds complexity and depth to various dishes. Some of the alternative common names of Cuban oregano are due to the fact that it is used similarly to thyme in a culinary context. It’s also used as a substitute for regular oregano.

The essential vitamins and minerals in Cuban oregano also provide health benefits. It contains calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and zinc. Regularly eating the herb may help to combat free radical damage, encourage healthy cell generation and strengthen the immune system. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well.

By means of its succulent nature, the plant can be quite endurant in dry weather conditions. It exhibits resistance against salt-laden wind along the coast. The mint’s strong aroma is a chemical defence against insects.

There is history of the Cuban mint’s usage among the Aztecs and Mayans. Reportedly, the belief was that the plant would help drive negativity out of the body, mind and soul. Other traditional uses have included the treatment of digestive disorders and respiratory infections.

The dried leaves are used to make tea.

References #

Caution: Consult a qualified health practitioner before considering medically using or ingesting any plant parts. Any mentioned traditional uses are based on cultural practices and anecdotal evidence. They are not necessarily clinically proven or supported by modern scientific studies.