Origanum compactum
Benth.
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Abelardo Aparicio, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Abelardo Aparicio
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) David Barros Cardona, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by David Barros Cardona
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) David Barros Cardona, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by David Barros Cardona
Description
Origanum compactum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
Condiment. The dried leaves are used as a condiment.
Distribution
Europe - Mediterranean.
Where It Grows
EUROPE: Spain (south) AFRICA: Morocco (north)
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a rather dry, warm, well-drained soil, but is not fussy as to soil type, thriving on chalk. Prefers slightly alkaline conditions. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagation
Seed - sow in a greenhouse in early spring at 10 - 13°c and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in March or October. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Basal cuttings of young barren shoots in June. Very easy. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
