We named wild oregano our local species, origanum onites, which is found only on islands of the Aegean and some parts of Turkey. Unlike origanum vulgare hirtum, it is a perennial bush that flourishes extensively on Ikaria and can give individuals plants with a 2 meter diameter and 1.5 meter height. In May, when it blossoms, the bushes are full of long green leafy stalks that end in flat leveled white flowers. The smell, when picking it with the scythe, can be overwhelming.
It yields less than origanum vulgare hirtum but the strength of its smell and the fact that Ikaria is the species’ ancestral home make it more powerful according to our and some of our clients’ opinion.
