Marjoram

Marjoram, the English name of several species of Origanum, a genus of herbs and undershrubs belonging to the order Labiatse (q.v.). They have bracts as long as the calyx and of the same colour, from 10 to 13 ribs in the tubular calyx, and an almost polysymmetric corolla. Wild Marjoram (O. rulgare) is common on limestone, growing afoot or two in height with massed pinkish flowers with deep crimson bracts and calices, and a somewhat stiffly dichotomous branching. It yields an acrid stimulant oil, known as oil of thyme, used in farriery and dentistry. O Marjovana and O. Onites, natives of southern Europe, are old-fashioned pot-herbs.