Food Plants International

523
Names
English: Marjoram Scientific name: Origanum marjorana L.
Tok pisin: Synonyms: Marjorana hortensis Moench
Tok ples: Plant family: Lamiaceae
Description: An annual bushy plant up to 40-60 cm
high. It can keep growing from year to year. It has a
strong smell. It has small grey green leaves on tough
woody stems. The leaves are oval and entire. They are
2.5 cm long. It has knotted flower heads with white,
pink or purple flowers.
Distribution: It is suited to highland areas in the
tropics. It is sensitive to frost. It needs a sunny
position. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.
Cultivation: Plants are mostly grown from seeds.
Production:
Use: The sweet spicy leaves are used to flavour meat dishes.
Leaves are used to tea.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible part Moisture Energy Protein Calcium Iron proVit A proVit C Zinc
% KJ g mg mg µg mg mg
Leaves dry 7.6 1136 12.7 82.7 807 51.4 3.6
Insects:
Diseases:
Pests:
Importance: Only an occasional food plant in Papua New Guinea.