If it smells like oregano and tastes like oregano...

Oregano Brujo

...it's not oregano? A week or so ago a couple of our friends came over and brought us a gift (thanks guys!). Plectranthus amboinicus, commonly known as 'Oregano brujo' in Puerto Rico. This plant smells and tastes like oregano and is used as an oregano substitute in mass produced food. However, it isn't in the Origanum family (common oregano's scientific name is Origanum vulgare). 

Oregano brujo is widely available in Puerto Rico and is ideal for growing in containers. Why? It grows fast, needs little water, loves heat, and can be grown in the shade. Oregano brujo can be planted in poor soil but it grows best on a good quality potting mix. It is able to tolerate periods of drought or stagnant water but we recommend that you maintain a constant moisture level. Supplement once a month (or more frequently if you are continuously harvesting) with a high nitrogen or balanced fertilizer (20/20/20 is the most common in PR). If you are feeding it (and harvesting) constantly we recommend to give the plant more than 6 hours of direct sunlight. However, you can also grow it in the shade with just 2-3 hours of direct sunlight. Just remember that your plant's growth rate will be proportional to the amount of sunlight it receives and the nutrient levels of the soil.

As you can see oregano brujo really is the easiest plant to grow and it gets even better. To top it off oregano brujo can be propagated by a technique called cutting. Just cut 4-6 inches of the top of the main stem and plant in a moist medium (potting soil would do). In a few days roots will start to grow and you will have a brand new plant! This new plant makes an excellent and original gift for a friend or neighbor. Don't worry about the original plant; it will regrow quickly.

Oregano brujo is a versatile plant with many uses. Nowadays the leafs are primarily used to season meat but traditionally they've been used to treat illnesses such as coughs, sore throats, indigestion and even infections. Because of its strong smell, the plant can also be used as an insect and pest repellant in your garden. In Indonesia it's used in a soup to promote lactation. With so many uses and the relative ease of growing it Oregano brujo should be on every container garden in Puerto Rico. Do you have some Oregano brujo in your garden?  What are you waiting for?

Update (3/13/12): Decided to update this post with more information since a lot of people are being directed to this page through search engines. ~Joel