View source for Marjoram

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Marjoram
| status = secure
| image = Origanum majorana.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Lamiales]]
| familia = [[Lamiaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Origanum]]''
| species = '''''O. majorana'''''
| binomial = ''Origanum majorana''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
}}

'''Marjoram''' (''[[Origanum]] majorana'', [[Lamiaceae]]) is a somewhat cold-sensitive [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[herb]] or undershrub with sweet [[pine]] and [[citrus]] flavours. It is also called '''Sweet Marjoram''' or '''Knotted Marjoram''' and ''Majorana hortensis''.

The name marjoram ([[Old French]] majorane, [[Medieval Latin]] majorana) does not directly derive from the Latin word ''maior'' (major).<ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=marjoram Marjoram], Online Etymology Dictionary, Douglas Harper, November 2001</ref>

Marjoram is cultivated for its aromatic leaves, either green or dry, for [[culinary]] purposes; the tops are cut as the plants begin to flower and are dried slowly in the shade. It is often used in herb combinations such as [[Herbes de Provence]] and [[Za'atar]].

Although considered cold-sensitive, marjoram can sometimes prove hardy even in [[hardiness zone|zone 5]].

=== Related species ===
[[Oregano]] (''Origanum vulgare'', sometimes listed with Marjoram as ''Origanum majorana'') is also called Wild Marjoram. It is a perennial common in southern [[Europe]] in dry copses and on hedge-banks, with many stout stems 30-80 cm high, bearing short-stalked somewhat ovate leaves and clusters of purple flowers. It has a stronger flavor and a more penetrating quality.

[[Pot Marjoram]] or Cretan Oregano (''Origanum onites'') has similar uses to marjoram.
[[Image:Majoram_spice.jpg|right|250px|Bottle of Majoram spice]]
Hardy Marjoram or Italian marjoram is a cross of marjoram with oregano that is much more resistant to cold, but is slightly less sweet.

''[[Origanum pulchellum]]'', Showy Marjoram or Showy Oregano.

([[Catalan language|Catalan]] marduix; [[Spanish language|Spanish]] mejorana)

==Surname==
[http://genealogy.wikicities.com/wiki/Category:Marjoram_Surname Marjoram] is a [[surname]].

==References==
<references/>

<table><td width=50%>{{Herbs & spices}}</td></table>

[[Category:Lamiaceae]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]