Wild Basil, Chinese Savory
Clinopodium chinense

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows to about 30 cm to 1 m high. The base is trailing. There are fine lines along it. It is densely hairy. These straight white hairs give it a silvery appearance. The leaf stalk is 3-8 mm long. The leaf blade is oval and 2-4 cm long by 1.3-2.6 cm wide. They are papery. The base is rounded or wedge shaped. The edges have teeth. There are many flowers in a half round head about 3 cm across. They are purple-red.

There are about 20 Clinopodium species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In China is grows on hillsides and in grassy areas near streams. It grows from sea level to 1000 m altitude. It suits plant hardiness zone 7. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Japan, Taiwan

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten with oil and salt.

It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Feng lun cai, Long dan cao, Zhaun zhuan cai

Synonyms

Calamintha chinensis Benth.; Calamintha clinopodium Benth. var. chinensis (Benth.) Miquel; Satureia chinensis (Benth.)Briquet;