Origanum vulgare is oregano. L is for Linnaeus, the botanist who
named it.

Origanum x majoricum is marjoram. The x indicates that this plant is
an interspecific hybrid. One parent is probably O. vulgare.

If I remember correctly, the plants are similar except for smell and
taste, and both have small pink flowers.

M. Reed

Netter wrote:
What does the L. and x mean in the following?

Origanum vulgare L.

Origanum x majoricum

Is there a reference that describes the meanings of such botany terms?


Thanks