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thumb Marjoram (''Origanum majorana'', syn. ''Majorana hortensis'' Moench, ''Majorana majorana'' (L.) H. Karst〔 (【引用サイトリンク】title=Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) )〕) is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavors. In some Middle Eastern countries, marjoram is synonymous with oregano, and there the names sweet marjoram and knotted marjoram are used to distinguish it from other plants of the genus ''Origanum''. It is also called pot marjoram, although this name is also used for other cultivated species of ''Origanum''. The name marjoram (Old French ''majorane'', Medieval Latin ''majorana'') does not directly derive from the Latin word ''maior'' (major).〔(Marjoram ), Online Etymology Dictionary, Douglas Harper, November 2001〕 Marjoram is indigenous to Cyprus and southern Turkey, and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness. Leaves are smooth, simple, petiolated, ovate to oblong-ovate, (0.5-1.5 cm) long, (0.2-0.8 cm) wide, with obtuse apex, entire margin, symmetrical but tapering base, and reticulate venation. The texture is extremely smooth due to the presence of numerous hairs.〔BP Pimple, AN Patel, PV Kadam, MJ Patil. Microscopic evaluation and physicochemical analysis of Origanum majorana Linn leaves. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease 2, S897-S903. http://www.apjtcm.com/zz/2012s2/71.pdf〕 == Cultivation == Considered a tender perennial (USDA Zones 7-9), 〔(Learn 2 Grow: Origanum majorana )〕 marjoram can sometimes prove hardy even in zone 5. 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''. The flowering leaves and tops of marjoram are steam-distilled to produce an essential oil that is yellowish in color (darkening to brown as it ages). It has many chemical components, some of which are borneol, camphor, and pinene.
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