Plectranthus amboinicus, commonly called mexican mint, spanish thyme, indian borage. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They have an oregano-like aroma. The leaves are taken internally in the treatment of a range of digestive problems such as dyspepsia, indigestion, diarrhea, and wind. A tea can be made from the leaves too.
Sunlight: Direct Sunlight
Water: Water when soil feels dry to the touch, do not over-water.
Fertiliser: Keep your plant in top form by feeding it every few weeks with a dilute solution of liquid fertiliser or sprinkling solid fertiliser over the soil.
Plant Size: Approx. 25cm (vary in sizes)
Rootball Size: 14cmØ x 12cmH
Pot Type: Plant comes in a brown plastic landscape pot (with drainage holes)
CLASSIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS
Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Herbaceous Plant
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Maximum Height 0.3 m to 0.9 m
Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width 0.6 m to 1.2 m
BIOGEOGRAPHY
Native Distribution Of horticultural origin.
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
DESCRIPTION AND ETHNOBOTANY
Growth Form Erect herb with a spreading growth habit up to 0.9 m tall.
Foliage Thick, furry, green leaves are broadly ovate with a scalloped, white to cream-coloured leaf margin. Crushed leaves have an herbal aroma.
Stems The stem is approximately square in cross-section.
Flowers Light purple to pink or white tubular flowers are 2-lipped and arranged on a spike inflorescence. In Singapore, this cultivar seldom flowers.
Fruits The fruit is a light brown, smooth nutlet about 0.7 mm long and 0.5 mm wide.
Habitat The parent species Plectranthus amboinicus is from southeastern Africa.
Associated Fauna The flowers are pollinated by bees and butterflies,
Cultivation Plectranthus amboinicus ‘Variegatus’ is easy-to-grow and handles hot weather well. In Singapore, it is best grown in semi-shade, but it can be grown in full sun in temperate climates. It prefers well-drained soil that is allowed to dry between watering.
Ethnobotanical Uses Edible Plant Parts (Edible Leaves)
Food (Herb and Spice : Leaves taste like oregano and can be used to add flavor to soups and meats.)
Medicinal ( The leaves can either be chewed raw or boiled in water and drunk to soothe coughs.)
LANDSCAPING FEATURES
Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Foliage
Plant & Rootzone Preference – Tolerance Dry Soils / Drought, Well-Drained Soils, Shallow Media (8 -10cm), Easy to Grow
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Flowerbed / Border, Container Planting
Thematic Landscaping Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden, Economic Garden
FAUNA, POLLINATION AND DISPERSAL
Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
PLANT CARE AND PROPAGATION
Light Preference Semi-Shade
Water Preference Moderate Water
Propagation Method Seed, Stem Cutting
FOLIAR
Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Cream / Off-White, Green, White
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Velvety / Furry / Tomentose, Bulging in between Veins, Thick
Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) Cream / Off-White, Green
Young Flush Texture(s) Velvety / Furry / Tomentose
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Opposite
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate)
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Serrate / Toothed, Crenate
Foliar Apex – Tip Acute
Foliar Base Rounded / Obtuse
Typical Foliar Area Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 – 20.25 cm2 )
FLORAL (ANGIOSPERM)
Flower & Plant Sexuality 1 Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Pink, Purple, White
Flower Texture(s) Smooth
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Terminal
Flower Symmetry Bilateral
Individual Flower Shape Labiate / Lipped
Inflorescence Type Spike
Flowering Opening Time Daytime
Flowering Habit Polycarpic
FRUIT, SEED AND SPORE
Mature Fruit Colour(s) – Angiosperms and Gymnosperms Brown
Mature Fruit Texture(s) Smooth
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type 1 Indehiscent Dry Fruit
Fruit Type 2 Nut / Nutlet
Seed Quantity Per Fruit
