Contents
Description
Perilla Frutescens, commonly known as Perilla or Shiso, is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to East Asia and widely cultivated in China, Japan, Korea, India, and other Asian countries. The plant has a distinctive aroma and is used in various cuisines for its flavor and medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Perilla |
Appearance
Perilla Frutescens has a height of 1-2 feet and a spread of 1-2 feet. The plant has a square stem that is purplish-red in color and hairy. The leaves are large, ovate, and serrated, with a green or purple color. The flowers are small and white or pink in color, and they bloom in late summer to early fall. The plant produces small, black or brown seeds that are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Care Guide
Perilla Frutescens is easy to grow and requires moderate care. Here is a care guide for Perilla Frutescens:Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.Fertilization: Perilla Frutescens does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect the plant’s growth and flavor.Hardiness Zones: Perilla Frutescens can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Perilla Frutescens is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by some common pests and diseases, such as:Pests:- Aphids- Spider mites- Whiteflies- LeafhoppersDiseases:- Powdery mildew- Leaf spot- Downy mildew- Fusarium wilt
Habitat
Perilla Frutescens is native to East Asia and is widely cultivated in China, Japan, Korea, India, and other Asian countries. The plant prefers warm temperatures and moist soil. It can be grown in gardens, containers, or as an indoor plant.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the health benefits of Perilla Frutescens?
A: Perilla Frutescens is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as asthma, allergies, and digestive disorders.
Q: Can Perilla Frutescens be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Perilla Frutescens can be grown indoors in a sunny location. Make sure to provide adequate light and water the plant regularly.
Q: How often should I fertilize Perilla Frutescens?
A: Perilla Frutescens does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the best soil for Perilla Frutescens?
A: Perilla Frutescens prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Perilla Frutescens:- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)- Mint (Mentha spp.)- Sage (Salvia officinalis)- Oregano (Origanum vulgare)- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
References
– “Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PEFR3- “Perilla.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a575- “Perilla frutescens.” Cornell University. https://www.hort.cornell.edu/homegardening/scenedc4d.html
