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November 1, 2011

Lemon balm, mint or something else? Your help needed...

I was given this plant with the information that people call it "melissa mint". I have researched and tried to identify it, but with no real result. I think it's nor mint, either lemon balm. But what is it? Do you know it? I will appreciate your help... Leaves are thick, plant is very vigorous, does not survive outdoor in the zone 6... any idea?



18 comments:

  1. Darla31 October, 2011 11:16

    Melissa officinalis ?

    ReplyDelete
  2. kate31 October, 2011 11:23

    I don't think it is mint or lemon balm - the leaves look too fleshy and thick. Try Cuban oregano (Plectanthis oregana) and see if the images of that match what you have.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ewa31 October, 2011 11:27

    Darla, M. officinalis has much smaller and thinner leaves, than that plant.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ewa31 October, 2011 11:33

    Kate, I googled images of cuban oregano and it gives confusing results. Some of the photos looks my plant, some have round and smaller leaves...
    but search led me to Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus) - it looks very similar!
    but
    It says also, that "Common names include Cuban oregano, Spanish thyme, Orégano Brujo (Puerto Rico), Indian Borage, Húng chanh (Vietnam), Big Thyme (Grenada) Mexican thyme, Mexican mint, Queen of herbs, three-in-one herb, allherb and Mother of herbs"

    so? what do you think?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bridget31 October, 2011 17:56

    Looks like some type of Mint to me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ewa31 October, 2011 18:04

    It is either Coleus amboinicus or Plectranthus amboinicus - not sure.
    Not mint. Origanum/Thyme.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tira31 October, 2011 23:07

    Ewa, its definitely Cuban Oregano, Plectranthus amboinicus, which is a synonym of Coleus amboinicu. So you are right in your last two posts.

    Used especially to season fish and meat, and also a small amount in stews. It is an important ingredient in "Green Seasoning" used in the West Indies.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Darla02 November, 2011 12:13

    Does is have a fragrance when you rub the leaves?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ewa02 November, 2011 12:24

    Darla, yes it smells like origan with some mint (really)
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Garden Girl02 November, 2011 15:14

    Definitely Cuban oregano.

    ReplyDelete
  11. raghavan06 November, 2011 10:15

    It looks like Oregano,from mint family,leaves when crushed smells good, leaves thick, hairy stem, It is used as spice & has many medicinal properties & hence called 'all heal'
    Raghavan

    ReplyDelete
  12. Unknown26 March, 2013 08:22

    I guess you solved the problem by now! anyway to me
    it looks like Plectranthus,
    its smell should be some how similar to incence and when you touch it it feels thick but you can brake it very easily, it is fragile at the junctions

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dr. Bumble bee28 December, 2013 10:56

    It's CATNIP. You're welcome. =)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dr. Bumble bee28 December, 2013 10:59

    It's CATNIP. You're welcome. =)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Blondie04 December, 2014 03:53

    It is Mother of Herbs, Mother of All Herbs,Queen of Herbs, Five in One Herb, Five Seasons Herb, Allherb, Country Borage, Indian Borage, Five Spice Herb,
    Great in chicken stock for a gravy base or any dish that requires mixed herbs. I grew up with my mother using this yet not many people are aware of it these days.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ewa04 December, 2014 12:55

    Hey Blondie, I wonder how your Mom was using it, for what kind of meals?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Unknown06 March, 2017 10:09

    I was told that it is good for cough. Double boil with rock sugar and drink it before bed.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Unknown02 November, 2017 08:59

    I have one i was given trying to identify

    ReplyDelete

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