102 



CULINARY HERBS 



because of its liability to be killed by frost, is so 

 commonly cultivated in cold countries as an annual 

 that it has acquired this name, which readily dis- 

 tinguishes it from its hardy relative. Perennial 

 marjoram is a native of Europe, but has become nat- 

 uralized in many cool and 

 even cold temperate clim- 

 ates. It is often found 

 wild in the Atlantic states 

 in the borders of woods. 



The general name origa- 

 num, meaning delight of 

 the mountain, is derived 

 from two Greek words, 

 oros, mountain ; and ganos, 

 joy, some of the species 

 being found commonly 

 upon mountain sides. Un- 

 der cultivation it has 

 developed a few varieties 

 the most popular of which 

 are a variegated form used 

 for ornamental purposes, 

 and a dwarf variety noted 

 for its ability to come true 

 to seed. Both varieties 

 are used in cookery. The perennial species seems to 

 have had the longer association with civilization; at 

 least it is the one identified in the writings of Pliny, 

 Albertus Magnus and the English herbalists of the 

 middle ages. Annual marjoram is thought to be the 

 species considered sacred in India to Vishnu and Siva. 



Sweet Marjoram 



