Syrian oregano
An oregano of Hatay, the eastern Mediterranean and the Levant, harvested as za'atar; its long summer flowering makes it a useful nectar source for local beekeepers.
- Nectar
- Good
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 0,5-1 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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An oregano with a woody base that grows around Hatay and Adana in Turkey and on the rocky, stony slopes of Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan. In the region it is gathered as za'atar and is the basis of spice blends. Its small white flowers form dense heads; its nectar value is good and its pollen contribution moderate.
Flowering
It flowers from late May to August; as one of the few flowering plants in the dry summer months it is heavily visited by bees. Secretion is more reliable on slopes near the coast where there is night humidity.
Honey and pollen
Summer honeys dominated by this plant are produced in the Levant, but there is no standard definition of a monofloral honey. The honey has a spicy aroma and an amber tone.
Note for the beekeeper
In Hatay the name za'atar is also used for Thymbra spicata; checking the Latin name avoids confusion when identifying the plant. In heavily harvested areas the number of flowers declines; excessive harvesting during flowering reduces the source for bees.