Perilla frutescens

Species category

Weed

Common name

beefsteakplant, beefsteak mint, purple mint

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

NutletNutlet:
A small, dry, indehiscent carpel of a fruit, usually composed of one quarter of the fruit with each enclosing a single seed (e.g. mints).

Shape

Globose

Size

  • Length 1.2–2.5 mm 
  • Width 1.2–2.5 mm 
  • Thickness 1.2–2.5 mm 

Color

Brown with black reticulationReticulated:
Resembling a net or network, especially having veins, fibers, or lines crossing the surface.  

Texture

Smooth to stippled

Other structures

Circular collar present around basalBasal:
The base of the fruit or seed opposite the apical end.
end.

Identification notes

Sizes of nutletsNutlet:
A small, dry, indehiscent carpel of a fruit, usually composed of one quarter of the fruit with each enclosing a single seed (e.g. mints).
are quite variable.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Lamiaceae

Valid name

Perilla frutescens(L.) Britton

 Perilla frutescens.  Nutlets with a circular collar around the basal end.
Perilla frutescens. Nutlets with a circular collar around the basal end.
 Perilla frutescens.  Nutlets with brown and black reticulations.
Perilla frutescens. Nutlets with brown and black reticulations.