Greek plektron — spur, anthos — flower, referring to the basal spur on the flowers of many species in the genus.
Annual or perennial fast growing herbs and subshrubs, the stems and leaves often fleshy. Leaves opposite. Flower clusters branched or spike-like, terminal or in the axils of the upper leaves. Flowers with calyx 2-lipped, the lower lip with 4 more or less equal, pointed lobes, upper lip of 1 broad lobe about as long as the lower lip. Corolla 2-lipped, the tube longer than the calyx, swollen or spurred at the base, lower lip entire, upper lip 3-4-lobed. Stamens 4.
Grown for the interesting foliage and flowers, sometimes in hanging baskets or as groundcovers.
Native species not described here are sometimes available.
Seed, cuttings or layers.
Calyx 2-lipped, the lower lip 4-toothed; stamens enclosed within the lower lip, which is often swollen.
About 300 species from Australia, Asia and tropical Africa. Australia has 22 endemic species.
Blake (1971), Codd (1975), Forster (1994b).
Source: (2002). Origanum. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.