Photographs: the Burren, Co. Clare

Marjoram Origanum vulgare Máirtín fiáin Family: Lamiaceae Flowering time: July-September. Perennial. Native. Scented clusters of lipped pink-purple flowers with darker buds and bracts. The stalked leaves are oval and opposite on square stems. A pleasantly aromatic, erect, slightly hairy plant. Height 30-60cm. Found on calcareous soils in dry, infertile grassland, scrub, quarries and on roadsides. Native but possibly introduced in the north

Marjoram, Origanum vulgare, Máirtín fiáin