Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) is native to Africa; it releases a strong fragrance at a touch, and it can be eaten and also repels mosquitoes

The world is full of wonders, and this saying fits the plant kingdom very well. There are many peculiar plants in the plant kingdom; some plants make "extreme" reactions as soon as you touch them, such as the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), which closes its leaves as soon as you touch it, and the pitcher plant (Nepenthes), which quickly closes if an insect flies in, and then "eats" the insect. Below, the author will introduce another peculiar plant; this plant is very fun, and it can not only repel mosquitoes but also be eaten.

This plant is Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) from Africa. This wild herb is very peculiar: like the sensitive plant, it closes its leaves when touched, but Cuban oregano is even more magical, as it gives off a strong fragrance at a touch. This fragrance is somewhat similar to the smell of apples, so it is also commonly known as "touch-and-fragrance" or "apple-scented herb."

The scientific name of Cuban oregano is Plectranthus amboinicus (formerly known as Coleus amboinicus). At first, people appreciated it as an ornamental plant, placing it indoors with a light fragrance that refreshes the mind when smelled. Later, people found that Cuban oregano has many other uses.

So what uses does Cuban oregano have?

Because Cuban oregano has a very fragrant aroma, it is often used as a fragrant culinary herb among the people. When making soup, adding a few leaves of Cuban oregano to the soup can make the soup taste more fragrant. Some farmers who grow Cuban oregano pick its leaves, boil them in clean water, and drink it as tea; its effect is similar to mint, and drinking it can relieve bloating.

In addition, some farmer friends eat Cuban oregano as lettuce; after washing it, they directly serve it as a cold dish, and the flavor is very unique. In addition, in the village the author also met quite a few farmer friends who grow Cuban oregano, and some farmer friends said that summer is the hot-selling season for Cuban oregano because it also has a very good function, namely a mosquito-repelling effect; placing a few pots of Cuban oregano at home can both clear heat and relieve summer heat and drive away mosquitoes and insects.

Besides being edible and able to repel mosquitoes, Cuban oregano also has good medicinal value. After crushing the leaves of Cuban oregano and applying them to mosquito bites, it can relieve itching and effectively ease discomfort. Isn't it amazing?

Reader friends, have you seen this Cuban oregano, which can both repel mosquitoes and be eaten as a vegetable?