Coleus amboinicus aka Mexican Mint

Coleus amboinicus is a tender perennial in the mint family. Gardeners also know it as Cuban oregano or country borage. Sources also call this species Plectranthus amboinicus. Its native range runs from Kenya south to South Africa. It also includes the Arabian Peninsula and India. It grows in tropical lands with a dry season. Wild plants grow in woodland, coastal scrub, and rocky ground.

The plant forms a low mound with spreading, trailing stems. Garden sources give heights of 1–3 feet [0.3–0.9 metres]. RHS gives a smaller range, reaching 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. NC State lists heights up to 3.5 feet [1.07 metres]. Garden spread can reach 3 feet [0.9 metres]. LLIFLE reports widths of 4.9 feet [1.5 metres] or more. Thick, square stems hold water and become woody with age. Soft hairs cover the fleshy green or grey-green leaves. Each leaf pair sits across the stem from the next. The leaves have rounded teeth along their edges. Crushing them releases a strong scent that recalls oregano.

Summer flowers grow in groups along long, thin flower stalks. Their small, flared tubes come in pale purple or pink. Sources also list white flowers. Bees visit the plant, and insects pollinate it. Small brown nutlets form within the calyx after flowering. Their smooth surfaces and flattened shape help distinguish the fruit. The plant grows fast, with most growth in spring and summer.

Give it strong light, but shade it from harsh sun. Hot summer sun can scorch the leaves. Use sandy or loamy soil that drains well. RHS accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Keep the compost moist during growth, without leaving it waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter and protect plants from frost. NC State lists USDA zones 9–11; LLIFLE gives 10–11. RHS rates it H1B for UK conditions. In cooler places, grow it indoors or under glass. It suits pots, hanging baskets, herb beds, and ground cover. Stem cuttings provide new plants; RHS says pruning is unnecessary.

Spider mites and mealybugs can damage the plant. RHS reports few pest or disease problems overall. Eat the leaves raw, cooked, fresh, or dried. Their strong taste calls for small amounts in food. People also brew leaf tea and use leaves to scent laundry. Useful Tropical Plants records medicinal uses, but notes limited knowledge of its effects. That source lists no known hazards; this does not establish pet safety.