Marjoram, botanical name Origanum majorana is from the family Lamiaceae and is closely related to basil, lavender, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, savory and thyme. Pronounced “MAHR-juhr-uhm” it is also called sweet marjoram, knotted marjoram or wild oregano.
It’s believed that Marjoram is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) and has been used since ancient times. For many years Oregano was called “wild marjoram” and while the plants do not look particularly the same the flavor is similar. Many botanists believe that they are very closely related but chefs will tell you that the flavor differences are really quite pronounced.