Perilla frutescens var. crispa

A variant that appears exotic, and indeed rather confusing with its intensely crumpled purple black foliage. This is often grown as an ornamental foliage plant and is best grown in groups at the front of the border. It is used to garnish food in Japan, treated much the same way as we use parsley. In Vietnam it is used in salads. The purple form is used to dye foodstuffs including the finger strips used in sushi, changing them to soft pink. It has a warm, somewhat spicy fragrance. Medicinally it is used to help a range of ailments from rheumatism to asthma. The leaves can be an irritant and prolonged contact with them can cause dermatitis in some people. There are small white flowers in summer but these have little ornamental interest. This can set seed if happy.