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Abstract This is the first attempt to cultivate Origanum syriacum ssp. sinaicum in different regions in and out of its natural habitats as example of domestication of endemic rare medicinal plants of Egypt. Domestication of medicinal plants participates in improving biodiversity conservation and livelihoods of local communities. The ecological study concluded that, soil moisture percent, low temperature and indirect sunshine are the highest edaphic factors controlling Origanum syriacum ssp. sinaicum distribution, hence the highest occurrence of its populations are in gorges, at the northern and western slope aspects, as well as along the high altitudes. The investigation of the effect of different irrigation rates and N fertilizer levels on growth, metabolites, yield attributes and quantity and quality of the produced oils of the cultivated plants in comparing with the wild plants, illustrate that, nearly these aspects stimulated by the used treatments. Of interest to mention that the response of Origanum syriacum ssp. sinaicum cultivated in Saint Katherine region was better than that in Wadi Feran region. Finally, we can say that, we succeeded in cultivating Origanum in and out of its natural habitats, and also improving its growth, yield and oil quantity and quality by the used treatments. |