Marjoram

Marjoram, common name for any of a genus of perennial herbs of the mint family. The herbs, native to Eurasia, are cultivated for the highly aromatic young leaves, which are used either fresh or dried as a seasoning. The flowers, which are borne in spikes, have a five-toothed calyx (outer floral envelope) and a two-lipped corolla (inner floral envelope). The fruit consists of four, tiny nutlets. The wild marjoram, sometimes called oregano, is a perennial; sweet marjoram is an annual, or frost-free, perennial.

Scientific classification: Marjorams make up the genus Origanum of the family Labiatae. Wild marjoram is classified as Origanum vulgare; sweet marjoram as Origanum majorana (sometimes hortensis).