ABSTRACT
Mexican oregano is native to southern North America and occurs in Central America as far south as Nicaragua. It is adapted to scrublands, rocky slopes and hills, arroyos, and arid conditions. Mexican oregano is a shrub or occasionally a small tree, 1-2.7 m (3.3-9 feet) tall. The small flowers are white or yellowish, often with a yellow eye, and tend to be present throughout the year, but especially after a period of rain. Mexican oregano is often sold as true oregano in Mexico and the southern United States. Mexico is the major producer, most of the supply harvested from the wild. The flavor of Mexican oregano has been described as sweeter and somewhat sharper and more pungent than that of oregano. Mexican oregano is employed in many Mexican-style foods. Mexican oregano could be grown as a perennial plant in much of the southern United States.
