Vietnamese mint, Vietnamese coriander
Persicaria odorata

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A leafy creeping plant which continues to grow from year to year. It forms roots at the nodes. The stems are reddish and have joints where the leaves join. These are 1-5 cm apart. The stems can be 35 cm high. The leaves are 5-8 cm long and sword shaped. They are green in colour with brown or red marks on the top surface. The flowers are small and pink and are produced at the end of the stems.

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Where it is found

A warm temperate to subtropical plant. It does well with lots of water. It can grow under shady conditions. It can grow in heavy soil. It can be grown in pots and hanging baskets. It suits warm or tropical conditions and cannot survive frost. It needs fertile well drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Hawaii, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, North America, Pacific, SE Asia, Singapore, Tasmania, Thailand, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are used to add spicy flavour to rice and curry dishes. It has a peppery taste. They are eaten with meat and fish. An oil can be extracted from the plant and is called Kesom oil.

It is a cultivated food plant. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, herb

How it is grown

It grows easily from cuttings. The cuttings quickly form roots. Plants normally form roots along the stem where the stem touches the ground.

Plants grow rapidly in warm moist conditions. The leaves need to be used fresh as they do not dry satisfactorily.

Its other names

Local names

Amadokoro, Asian mint, Cambodian mint, Chan chom, Chi krasang tomhom, Coriandre du Vietnam, Daun kesom, Daun kesum, Daun laksa, Hom chan, Hot mint, Knotweed, La liao, Laksa Blatt, Laksa leaf, Paew, Pakpai, Phak phai, Phak pheo, Phrik maa, Phud phaeng, Rau Ram, Rau ram, Vietnamese coriander

Synonyms

Polygonum odoratum Lour.;