What are the characteristics of Cuban oregano? This article gives you an overview

Alternative names of Cuban oregano

Because the whole plant is fuzzy, it is called "fuzzy fragrant tea herb"; because it produces fragrance when touched, it is also called "touch-me-fragrance" (Chu Liuxiang) or "a hint of fragrance". Of course, in many regions it is also called: left-hand fragrance, foreign mint, upside-down-hand fragrance, ageratum, row fragrance herb, Indian mint, passing-hand fragrance, mint left-hand fragrance.

The habits of Cuban oregano

It has many branches, and the whole plant has fine dense white fuzz. Touching it releases a rich fragrance.

It likes light and can be grown in sunlight all year round, but it is also fairly shade-tolerant.

It likes warmth and fears cold. It can only overwinter above 0 degrees C in winter.

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 wishes coming true, 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 "shyness" of the sensitive plant (Mimosa): when its leaves are stimulated by touch, the water inside the cells acts, causing the turgor pressure of the pulvinus to change. Unlike the sensitive plant, the leaves of Cuban oregano do not contract under turgor pressure; instead, the stomata inside that are used for gas exchange expand, and a volatile substance with an apple fragrance diffuses through the stomata into the air. In fact, Cuban oregano normally also gives off a faint fragrance, but this fragrance is too light to be easily noticed. When its leaves are touched, the leaf stomata expand, the fragrance is released and smelled by people, giving the impression that it becomes fragrant as soon as it is touched.

The value of Cuban oregano

Ornamental value: potted for viewing. Place it in a high spot or hang it indoors, and it can also accent a side table or desk. The leaves can be used to make tea or brew wine, 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 stomach bloating, and mashing it for external application can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.