Geographic variation of Greek oregano ( Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) essential oils

• Published in: Biochemical systematics and ecology 1993, Vol.21 (2), p.287-295
• Main Authors: Vokou, Despina, Kokkini, Stella, Bessiere, Jean-Marie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; carvacrol; environmental factors; essential 55555s; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; geographic variation; Lamiaceae; Origanum vulgare; Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum; Plant cytology, morphology, systematics, chorology and evolution; Spermatophyta; Systematics (diagnosis, chromosome numbers); thymol; yield
• ISSN: 0305-1978; 1873-2925
• DOI: 10.1016/0305-1978(93)90047-U

Essential oils of Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum from twenty-three localities, scattered all over Greece, were analysed in order to determine their quantitative and qualitative features. The total oil content of plants and the percentage contribution of the major oil constituents, carvacrol, thymol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene, varied remarkably between localities. The contents of carvacrol and thymol were significantly correlated, varying inversely. The same holds for their sum and the sum of the two major monoterpene hydrocarbons. Altitude seems to be the most important environmental factor influencing the oil content; high values were recorded at low altitudes, coinciding with Mediterranean-type ecosystems. The sum of the four major oil constituents, representing the phenol pathway, seems influenced by the climate's thermal efficiency. The hotter the climate, the higher their total concentration.