Mexican oregano and Cuban pot marjoram are two discrete works that are often confound due to their like names . However , they belong to to different botanical families and have different characteristics and uses .

1 . Botanical Differences : – Mexican Oregano ( Lippia graveolens ): Mexican oregano is a appendage of the Verbenaceae family and is native to Mexico and Central America . It is not a true oregano but is sometimes called Mexican oregano . It has small , gig - determine leaves with a foggy texture and a substantial , citrusy aroma . The plant itself is a recurrent shrub that can reach a height of up to three pes .

– Cuban Oregano ( Coleus amboinicus ): Cuban oregano , also known as Spanish thyme or Indian tailwort , belong to the Lamiaceae family and is native to Africa , but it is wide cultivated in tropic region around the world . Unlike Mexican oregano , Cuban winter sweet is a succulent plant life with thick , heavy parting that are often hairy . The leaf have a strong , nipping aroma and a preference redolent of wild marjoram , hence the unwashed name .

2 . Culinary usage : – Mexican Oregano : Mexican oregano has a discrete citrusy flavor and is commonly used in Mexican and cardinal American cuisines . It adds a bright , lemony distinction to dishes like salsas , marinades , and soups . It pair well with chili pepper , cumin , and garlic , and is often used in Mexican dishes such as chili con carne , enchiladas , and counterspy sauce .

– Cuban Oregano : Cuban oregano has a flavor visibility that is similar to oregano but with a stronger , more pungent taste . It is used as a culinary herbaceous plant in various cuisines , including Cuban , Caribbean , and Indian . It is often added to stews , curry , and meat dish to impart its decided feel . In Cuban culinary art , it is unremarkably used in sofrito , a flavorsome groundwork for many dishes .

3 . Medicinal and Herbal Uses : – Mexican Oregano : Mexican oregano has been used traditionally in Mexican folk music for its medicinal property . It is believed to have antibacterial , fungicidal , and anti - incitive attribute . It is used as a remedy for digestive yield , respiratory ailments , and skin circumstance . It is also used in herbal teas and infusions for its soothing attribute .

– Cuban Oregano : Cuban marjoram is also known for its medicinal dimension and has been used in traditional medicine in various cultures . It is think to have antimicrobic , anti - inflammatory , and antioxidant properties . It is used to care for respiratory trouble , digestive disorders , and skin conditions . In some cultures , it is also used as a raw insect repellant .

4 . Growing weather : – Mexican Oregano : Mexican pot marjoram thrives in warm climates and is comfortably grow in full sun or partial shade . It prefers well - debilitate soil and is drouth - tolerant once establish . It can be grown as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 9 - 11 but may also be grown as an annual in cooler climates .

– Cuban Oregano : Cuban oregano is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of originate stipulation . It favor full Sunday but can also originate in partial shade . It thrives in well - run out soil and can permit periods of drought . It is usually grown as a perennial in tropic and semitropic part but can also be grow as an annual in cool climates .

Mexican oregano and Cuban winter sweet are two trenchant plants with different botanic characteristics , flavour , and use . While Mexican oregano has a citrusy aroma and is used in Mexican and fundamental American cuisine , Cuban oregano has a biting oregano - like gustation and is used in Cuban , Caribbean , and Native American culinary art . Both plant have medicative attribute and can be grown in a variety of climate , but they belong to dissimilar botanic class and have unique characteristics that lay out them aside .

Caroline Bates