Egyptian Marjoram

Description

Origanum microphyllum is a species of plant in the genus Dost (Origanum). Origanum microphyllum is a semi-shrubthat reaches a height of 20 to 50 centimeters. The twigs are thin, distinctly square, purple, and have short, backward-facing bristles. theleavesare ovate, felty white and 5 to 13 millimeters in size. The calyx is entire, obliquely trimmed and bare. The crown is purple and 3 to 7.5 millimeters in size. The flowering period is from June to September. Origanum microphyllum is endemic toCretein the regional districts ofChania,HeraklionotherLasithi. The species grows on Lefka Ori and Dikti mountains in open forests, Phrygana and crevices on limestone at altitudes from (50) 400 to 1500 (1800) meters. The species was described by British botanistGeorge Benthamin 1834 under the taxon Majorana microphylla. The German botanist Julius Rudolph Theodor Vogel assigned the species under the current taxon Origanum microphyllum to the genus Dost ( Origanum ).