= plant with a shrub-like base and stems which are erect, stiff and strong; it reaches a height of just under one meter; it may grow from the ground but also spring out of crevices in walls, cliffs and rocks; its leaves and branches are hairy, and its flowers white; origanum maru; the plant is aromatic, and the dried leaves are used as a condiments; the leaves and little branches, when collected in bunches, are suitable for sprinkling purposes, as the hairy surface holds the liquid; used in the ritual purification of the Jews