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Post by sandbar on Mar 18, 2008 12:36:28 GMT -5
Am looking for the variety that has dark purple leaves with a metallic sheen. I found a couple of Perilla varieties that *might* be it: Purple Zisu Gage's Shadow Here's a link to a picture that I think is the plant for which I'm looking. My MIL bought some as a "basket filler" but the thing grew about 24" tall ... little on the big side for a basket filler ... but, it was a beautiful plant and I'd like to use some as a bedding plant. Was hoping to find someone with seed to share ... I've gone overboard on my seed budget this year ... surprise, surprise ...  |
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Post by sandbar on Mar 18, 2008 12:43:04 GMT -5
Here's the variety:
Perilla frutescens
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Post by plantsnobin on Mar 18, 2008 12:55:01 GMT -5
This is a plant that self seeds very easily, but I find it is easy to pull up or hoe it down if it gets too prolific. I got my original plant from my brother in law, he probably got a start from one of the little old ladies he mowed for. I don't have seed, but I could save you some this year if I remember. Or I could send you a small start when they start to come up.
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Post by flowerpower on Mar 19, 2008 7:07:18 GMT -5
It's also called the Beefsteak Plant  |
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Post by plantsnobin on Mar 19, 2008 9:57:23 GMT -5
www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/cropfactsheets/perilla.html I knew that Perilla was edible, but I had never really bothered to read more about it. Turns out it is a very useful plant indeed. And here I try to control it. I should be using it instead. You know, all these experts say that there is coming crisis, that farmers are not going to be able to 'feed the world' without GMO's and big agribusiness. Truth is, I think we are just eating the wrong things. They always talk about improved corn or wheat crops will stop the starving in Africa and other places. They never stop to think that perhaps corn shouldn't be attempted in these places. Most of us just never stop to think about the edible plants we may have growing all around us. I know I really don't. The oil from the seed of perilla can even be used as fuel.
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jason
gardener
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Post by jason on Mar 19, 2008 11:40:58 GMT -5
I think Perilla might give me a headache.
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Post by landarc on Mar 19, 2008 20:19:46 GMT -5
Sorry Sandbar, thought I had some, but, I musta used it up. The Japanese have been using Shiso, Beeftsteak, Perilla etc...as a traditional spice and food dye for centuries. It is a part of the Kyoto traditional food menu. It has a minty/basilly taste. The purple and red leaves will serve to dye foods as well. It is often used as a wrap in other Asian cuisines as well.
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jason
gardener
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Post by jason on Mar 20, 2008 11:30:57 GMT -5
Does anyone else get a headache from Perilla? I have one of the green types. I think it might be the myristicin in the leaves. I usually don't get headaches and I have noticed it a couple of times with this plant.
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Post by sandbar on Mar 21, 2008 12:47:44 GMT -5
GG, are you making a tea from it that produces the headaches? (I thought I read that Perilla is a member of the mint family...)
Landarc, thanks anyhow. Toured a local greenhouse operation (about 10 acres under roof ... amazing tour) and they grow Perilla, so I think I'll just get a few plants from them and save seed for next year. Will have to read up some more on it via the link Karen supplied.
Thanks everyone.
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jason
gardener
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Post by jason on Mar 21, 2008 16:29:16 GMT -5
Yeah it's weird. I mostly just eat the leaves in the garden. Maybe I usually do this on an empty stomach, but I've read that cattle and other animals can get poisoned from eating to much perilla. I think it might be the myristicin, which is why too much nutmeg can be dangerous too. There isn't that much in there though so maybe I am giving myself a headache thinking about it? Seems like I'm the only one..
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