Perilla, Beefsteak plant
Perilla frutescens

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It re-grows each year. It grows from 30 cm to 2 m tall. The stems are square. Plants can be green or purple. The leaf stalk is 3-5 cm long. The leaves are oval and 4.5-10 cm long by 2.8-10 cm wide. They are toothed along the edge. Leaves are hairy on both surfaces. The flowers are white. They are in equal stalked flower clusters either in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. The fruit is a 1-seeded nutlet. There are a range of cultivated varieties.

There is only one (6) Perilla species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. Plants are frost tender. In Nepal they grow between 600-2400 m altitude. It needs rich, well-drained soil and full sun. It suits hardiness zone 8-11. In XTBG Yunnan. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia (country/location of origin), Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, SE Asia, Europe, Hawaii, Himalayas (country/location of origin), India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Russia, SE Asia, Sikkim, Taiwan, Tasmania, Tibet, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves, flowers and seeds are eaten cooked. They can be dried and used later. They are also used for flavouring. They are used in chutney. The young cotyledons are sprouted and eaten. The roasted seeds are pickled. The seed oil is used as an ingredient in cooking. They are used to improve the taste of curry. Caution: Wild forms are poisonous due to ketones. These are toxins to the liver.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds - spice, flowers, seeds - oil, vegetable, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The seed need to be cooled to 5°C for 3 days before planting. Seed need light to germinate. Plants should be spaced about 30 cm apart.

Its other names

Local names

Angami, Arim, Bai-su-zi, Ban tulsi, Bhangiro, Bhanjira, Che-so, Chiso, Deulkkae, Egoma, Gee so, Jen, Jhutela, Kenia, Kkaennip, Naga machala, Namdung, Ngaa khee mon, Perille verte cultivee, Ri ben bai su, Seelam, Shan-hnan, Shiso, Silam, Silame, Si leng, Sipui, Snem, Sookloti, Tanam, Thi, Tia To, Zhou bai su, Zi su

Synonyms

Perilla nankingensis Decne; Perilla arguta Benth.; Perilla crispa; Ocimum frutescens Linnaeus; Melissa cretica Loureiro; Melissa maxima Arduino; Mentha perilloides Lamarck; Perilla avium Dunn; Perilla ocymoides Linnaeus; Perilla urticaefolia Salisbury;