A member of the mint family, oregano is commonly used in Italian dishes and is a component of chilli powder. This low-growing plant also makes an attractive ground cover.Oregano scientifically named Origanum vulgare by Carolus Linnaeus, is a common species of Origanum, a genus of the mint family (Lamiaceae).

It is native to warm-temperate western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region.Culinary oregano is a signature flavor of many Italian, Mexican and Spanish dishes. Most cooks are familiar with it in its dried form, but oregano is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow in the home garden. A handful of plants will provide you with enough oregano to use fresh in season and to dry for use throughout the winter.There are many varieties, but the most common variety for cooking is Greek oregano. The more pungent Mexican oregano, Lippia graveolens, isn t really an oregano at all. Mexican oregano is often used in chili powders. Golden oregano is very ornamental, but not as flavourful.