The plant's role in its ecosystem
The flowers are highly attractive to Apis mellifera and other honeybees. Kalabo is considered an excellent bee forage plant, producing nectar throughout the year in tropical climates.
Various butterfly species visit the small flowers, including skippers and swallowtails. The plant's extended bloom period makes it a reliable nectar source.
In the Caribbean and Central America, hummingbirds are known to visit Kalabo flowers, attracted by the tubular corolla shape and nectar reward.
The aromatic compounds — particularly carvacrol and thymol — act as natural insect repellents. Gardeners often plant Cuban oregano near tomatoes, peppers, and beans to deter aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
In some tropical regions (notably Hawaii, parts of Australia, and Pacific Islands), Cuban oregano has naturalized aggressively and can form dense ground cover that displaces native understory species. In most cultivated settings, however, it is well-behaved.