ជីរត្រចៀកជ្រូក (Plectranthus Amboinicus)

(Plectranthus Amboinicus) Also know as  Mexican/Cuban oregano, or Spanish Thyme, or in Khmer, ជីរត្រចៀកជ្រូក, or ជីកំប៉ុង. 

The difference between the Khmer mint and  the "Mexican/Cuban Oregano", do you see the differences between them?

Just wanted to share pictures of a side-by-side comparison of the two culinary herbs with much confusion on its ID found on the internet. 
Our Khmer old world/traditional and what is grown in a old world/traditional  Mexican kitchen garden by the cooks themselves. A Khmer mint and a "Mexican/Cuban Oregano" side-by-side. 

What we Khmers known it as "ជីរត្រចៀកជ្រូក", Khmer Mint  (Plectranthus Amboinicus) is the one with bigger leaves,  sharp toothed margin with pointed tip is native to and traditionally grown in Cambodia.  With the least pungent, a more softer and sweeter aromatic scent. Leaves are more plump and stiff, succulent and crisp,  and feel a bit on the rough side. 

Vick plant, (Plectranthus tomentosa) is one with smaller leaves, rounded tips, with scalloped margin. And is commonly grown in an old world/ traditional  Mexican kitchen garden. A more pungent aromatic scent that resembles Tiger Balm rubs, or Vick med. Leaves are thinner,  pliable, and feels velvety soft.

A culinary and medicinal herb that the Khmers used it to garnish Sour Soup/Stew, dipping sauce (Khmer Pesto), in Salad,  and in an herb platter. At a young age I remember my great-grandparents made cough syrup with its extract, lime juice, and palm sugar for me.
  • A native to Cambodia. 
  • A perennial in tropical and subtropical climate. It's frost sensitive. 
  • Need well drained soil. 
  • Take root at node. To keep tamed, container plantings is highly recommended.  
  • It's a semi succulent plant with thick crisp and fuzzy foliage.  It made an excellent ornamental indoor plant by the window. 






https://www.emedicinehealth.com/coleus/vitamins-supplements.htm




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