Perilla

Perilla is a genus belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae, comprising one major Asiatic crop species, Perilla frutescens, and a few wild species. The genus encompasses several distinct varieties of Asian herb, seed, and vegetablecrop, including P. frutescens (deulkkae) and P. frutescens var. crispa (shiso). The genus name Perilla is also a frequently employed common name ("perilla"), applicable to all varieties. Perilla varieties are cross-fertile and intra-specific hybridization occurs naturally. Some varieties are considered invasive.