Coleus amboinicus, commonly known as Indian borage, Cuban oregano, or Mexican mint, is a perennial succulent herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). The genus name Coleus comes from the Greek koleos, meaning “sheath,” referring to the way the stamens are enclosed. The species epithet amboinicus refers to Ambon Island (in present-day Indonesia), where the plant was noted by early European botanists. Despite its common name, it is not a true oregano (Origanum spp.), but shares a similar aroma and culinary function. Native to eastern and southern Africa, it was spread across South and Southeast Asia and the Caribbean through trade and colonial exchange, becoming naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

The plant has thick, fleshy, aromatic leaves used both as a culinary herb and a traditional medicinal plant. In India, it is used in Ayurvedic and folk remedies for coughs, asthma, digestive complaints, and skin conditions. In the Caribbean, it flavors meat dishes, soups, and stews, while in Southeast Asia, it is used in curries and sambals. Its strong, oregano-like flavor makes it a substitute for Mediterranean oregano in tropical cuisines.