Definition

Noun: 1. A South American plant (Perilla frutescens var. crispa), grown primarily for its ornamental, often red or purple, crinkled leaves. It is also known as shiso or perilla. 2. A common name for a plant (Acalypha wilkesiana) grown for its ornamental, often red or purple, foliage. It is also known as copperleaf or Jacob's coat.

Usage Notes

The term "beefsteak plant" is used to refer to two distinct ornamental plants, both valued for their colorful foliage rather than their flowers. The name likely comes from the deep red or purple color of the leaves, which can resemble the color of raw beef. It is primarily a horticultural term.

Examples

• The beefsteak plant added a splash of burgundy to the herb garden border.
• She purchased a beefsteak plant for its striking purple leaves.
• In the shade garden, the dark foliage of the beefsteak plant created a dramatic contrast.

Advanced Usage

• Culinary Use: When referring to , the leaves of the beefsteak plant (shiso) are used as a herb in Asian cuisines, particularly Korean and Japanese.
  • The chef garnished the sashimi with a leaf from the beefsteak plant.
• Botanical Context: In precise botanical writing, the scientific names ( or ) are preferred to avoid ambiguity with the common name "beefsteak plant."

Variants and Related Words

• Shiso (n): The Japanese name for , commonly used in culinary contexts.
• Perilla (n): The genus name for one type of beefsteak plant, often used as a common name.
• Copperleaf (n): A common name for , another plant called beefsteak plant.
• Ornamental foliage plant (n): A general term for plants grown primarily for their decorative leaves.

Synonyms

• Ornamental perilla (for )
• Purple mint (a less common name for )
• Fire-dragon plant (a cultivar name for some varieties)

Related Phrases

• Grown for foliage: A descriptive phrase indicating the plant's primary ornamental value.
  • Like coleus, the beefsteak plant is grown for foliage.

Noun

1. South American plant having green to purple or red branches with green to purple ornamental foliage and spikes of insignificant woolly flowers with dry membranous bracts
2. plant grown for its ornamental red or purple foliage