Origanum syriacum

Origanum syriacum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Origanum
Species:
O. syriacum
Binomial name
Origanum syriacum
Synonyms
  • Majorana syriaca (L.) Raf.
  • Schizocalyx syriacus (L.) Scheele
  • Majorana aegyptiaca (L.) Kostel.
  • Majorana crassa Moench
  • Majorana crassifolia Benth.
  • Majorana scutellifolia Stokes
  • Origanum aegyptiacum L.
  • Origanum maru L.
  • Origanum vestitum E.D.Clarke
  • Zatarendia egyptiaca Raf.

Origanum syriacum subsp. syriacum; syn. Majorana syriaca (also Origanum maru, although this primarily refers to a hybrid of O. syriacum), bible hyssop, Biblical-hyssop, Lebanese oregano or Syrian oregano, is an aromatic perennial herb in the mint family, Lamiaceae.

It is a preferred primary ingredient in the spice mixture za'atar.

O. syriacum is native to the Palestine region and was formerly used in ceremonial functions in the Temple in Jerusalem, such as for sprinkling the waters of a purification mixture made by the ashes of a burned red heifer on persons defiled by the dead.