How adaptable is the Cuban oregano? Let's find out together
Other names for Cuban oregano
Because the whole plant is fuzzy, it is called furry fragrant herb; because it produces fragrance when touched, it is also called touch-me-fragrance (Chu Liuxiang) or a touch of fragrance. Of course, in many regions it is also called: left-hand fragrance, foreign mint, reverse-hand fragrance, huoxiang, patchouli, Indian mint, pass-hand fragrance , mint left-hand fragrance.
Growing habits of Cuban oregano
It has many branches, and the whole plant is covered with fine white fuzz. Touching it releases a rich fragrance.
It loves light and can be grown in sunlight year-round, but it is also fairly shade-tolerant.
It likes warmth and fears the cold. It can only survive the winter when temperatures stay above 0°C.
It likes loose, well-drained soil and prefers a relatively dry environment; too much moisture easily causes root rot and death.
The flower language of Cuban oregano
Happiness, good fortune and everything going as wished, optimism, and a loving heart.
Why Cuban oregano only becomes fragrant after being touched
The reason Cuban oregano releases fragrance is similar to the principle behind the mimosa's "shyness." When its leaves are stimulated by touch, the water inside the cells reacts, causing the turgor pressure of the pulvinus to change. Unlike the mimosa, the leaves of Cuban oregano do not contract under turgor pressure; instead, the stomata used for air exchange inside expand, and a volatile substance with an apple fragrance diffuses through the stomata into the air. In fact, Cuban oregano normally also releases a faint fragrance, but this scent is relatively light and not easily noticed. When its leaves are touched, the leaf stomata expand and the fragrance is released, allowing people to smell it, giving the impression that it becomes fragrant as soon as it is touched.
The value of Cuban oregano
Ornamental value: grown in pots for viewing. Placed in high spots or hung indoors, it can also accent a desk or writing table. The leaves can be brewed into tea or soaked in liquor, and can also be used in cooking.
Medicinal value: taking its juice with honey raw can relieve sore throat, drinking it as hot tea can relieve bloating, and mashing it for external application can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.