Marjoram

Marjoram, common name for any of a genus of perennial herbs of the mint family. The herbs, native to Eurasia, are cultivated in the United States 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). Either two or four stamens (male flower part) and a solitary pistil (female flower part) are present. The fruit is an achene (dry and one-seeded). The wild marjoram, more commonly called oregano, is a perennial; sweet marjoram is an annual, or frost-free, perennial.

Scientific classification: Marjorams belong to the family Lamiaceae (formerly Labiatae). Wild marjoram is classified as Origanum vulgare. Sweet marjoram is classified as Origanum majorana.