Lippia graveolens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lippia graveolens |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lippia
|
| Species: |
graveolens
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Lippia berlandieri Schauer |
|
Lippia graveolens is a special plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family, also known as the verbena or vervain family. It is often called Mexican oregano because its leaves taste a lot like the oregano we use in cooking. This plant grows naturally in the southwestern United States, especially in Texas and southern New Mexico. You can also find it in Mexico and Central America, as far south as Nicaragua.
People have many names for this plant. Besides Mexican oregano, it's also known as redbrush lippia, scented lippia, and scented matgrass. In Spanish, it's called orégano cimarrón, which means 'wild oregano'. The scientific name graveolens comes from two Latin words: gravis, meaning 'heavy', and oleo, meaning 'oil'. This name likely refers to the plant's strong, oily scent.
This plant can grow as a shrub or a small tree. It usually reaches about 1 to 2.7 meters (3 to 9 feet) tall. Throughout the year, especially after it rains, you can see beautiful white or yellowish flowers on the plant. These flowers are very fragrant, meaning they smell nice!
Contents
What is Mexican Oregano Used For?
The leaves of Lippia graveolens are very popular as an herb in Mexico and Central America. They are used to add a unique flavor to many dishes.
Special Oils in the Plant
This plant contains natural oils called essential oils. These oils give the plant its strong smell and taste. The essential oil of Lippia graveolens has different chemicals in it. Some of the most important ones are thymol and carvacrol. These two chemicals are what make the plant taste similar to regular oregano. Even though it tastes like oregano, Lippia graveolens is not closely related to the oregano plant we usually buy in stores. Other chemicals found in its oil include para-cymene and eucalyptol.
Cooking with Mexican Oregano
Because of its strong and unique flavor, Mexican oregano is a key ingredient in many traditional Mexican and Central American recipes. It adds a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery taste to food. It's a great way to add authentic flavor to your cooking!
See also
In Spanish: Lippia graveolens para niños
