Plectranthus

[emjaygodd]

Plectranthus is quite a large genus of herbs/shrubs from Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. They belong to the Lamiaceae (mint) family and several of the exotic species are edible. Some have leaves that can be used as herbs for flavouring while one or two others have tuberous roots that can be roasted. I have the following six species of native Australian Plectranthus growing in either my garden or in gardens near me: Plectranthus alloplectus; Plectranthus argentatus; Plectranthus diversus; Plectranthus graveolens; Plectranthus parviflorus; and, Plectranthus nitidus. Most of these species release interesting aromas when their leaves are crushed. In particular, Plectranthus nitidus has a basil-like aroma and taste (I once gave a leaf a bit of a nibble). Does anyone know anything more about these species (or any other native Plectranthus species)? Are they edible? Are they safe to use as herbs in cooking?

[Rimbaud]

Dunno if they're useful but I love the smell of mine!!!!!! Especially of the flowers, but really they smell great all the time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plectranthus_caninus (non-native)

Kind of a "meat" smell... almost like KFC herbs and spices Love it