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Asian herb ID

KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
in Fruit & veg
Was given this plant and told it was an Asian herb called Curmin.  I cannot find anything of that name that looks like this.  

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Maybe Carom?


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  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    If it smells of oregano, it is Plectranthus amboinicus, often called 'Mexican mint' and a whole host of other local names.  It used to be called Coleus amboinicus:


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  • HelixHelix Posts: 631
    Don’t think it’s Ajwain, as that’s an umbelliferae.  Could be Plectranthus.  
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    I think it does smell a bit like Oregano, but it looks much closer to pictures of Ajwain than Plectranthus.  I'll have to try and find out who donated it to the allotment plant swap.
  • EustaceEustace Posts: 2,290
    It is this. Used as a medicinal plant in Asia.



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  • TheveggardenerTheveggardener Posts: 1,057
    Agree with Eustace I've been all over the net and looked in my Asian herb book and both seem to look this one. We're you told what recipes it can be used in as this might help us identify it for you.
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    I was told that the leaves can be fried.  I’ll trust your research and judgement, thanks. 
  • Plot75Plot75 Posts: 69
    Could be Cuban Oregano (Coleus Amboinicus) aka Indian Borage. Essential Oils can be used as an insect repellent too as well as the entire plant for medicines for inflammation, wind and detox. 
    It will flower pale purple.
    Mix 2tbsp of white,granulated sugar with 1tbsp of water and place on a spoon for a Bee to reach. Sometimes they're too exhausted to reach back to the hives when it's hot and dry. 
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited June 2019
    I actually based my ID (Plectranthus amboinicus, which is what it is) on the fact that I have one. :)
    As I already said, it used to be called Coleus amboinicus but the botanists have gven it a new name.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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