What is This Furry Plant???

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by HMcPhearson, Apr 22, 2008.

  1. HMcPhearson

    HMcPhearson Member

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    Cape Coral, FL, USA
    This is growing in my yard. Does anyone know what it is?
    The foliage feels furry and it has a very distinct smell after it rains. I can't describe the smell, but it sort of reminds me of some kind of herb or spice smell. Also, it spreads like crazy. The stems reach out and then lay on the ground. It has notches on the stems and from each notch sprouts a new head of foliage and roots underneath. Any ideas on what this could be???
     

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  2. saltcedar

    saltcedar Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Plectranthus amboinicus, Cuban Oregano.

    HTH
    Chris
     
  3. HMcPhearson

    HMcPhearson Member

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    Thanks Chris.
     
  4. Cereusly Steve

    Cereusly Steve Active Member

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    Its definitely a Plectranthus. It doesn't look quite like P. amboinicus. That species has the distinct scent of Oregano. Other species have other scents. Some smell like camphor but others are different, even offensive to some. All the Plectranthus are Old World in origin, mostly African, although several are now widely grown in the tropics as spices and medicinal plants.
     
  5. HMcPhearson

    HMcPhearson Member

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    Chris,

    That's so neat! How can I cook with it? Would I use the leaves?

    Also, my cat, when I'm not looking, tries to chew on the leaves. Do you know if this is harmful for her?
     
  6. saltcedar

    saltcedar Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Your cat shouldn't be harmed. I only know of folks making tea or adding it to soups and stews.
    You'll need to google it for other uses.
     
  7. Cereusly Steve

    Cereusly Steve Active Member

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    You use it exactly as you would oregano.

    Its widely grown as an oregano substitute in the tropics because its too warm to grow the real thing there.

    Don't worry about your cat. She is a connoisseur. Cats typically avoid poisonous plants.
     

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