Polygonum odoratum VIETNAMESE CORIANDER (plant)

Rau-ram, also called Vietnamese coriander or Chinese basil, is a plant in the Polygonaceae family.
It is a creeping variety of coriander from China whose leaves are used in cooking and Asian medicine.
Its flowers are white and star-shaped.
Its seeds are small and round like those of the apple of peru.
It takes cuttings relatively easily.

It is a tropical perennial that is grown as an annual in frost-prone areas.
In the ground, in the garden, in a pot on the balcony or indoors, it requires moist soil, rich soil and prefers partial shade.

It is also called fragrant knotweed.
The name rau-ram means herb-mint in Vietnamese.

The taste of its leaves is close to that of coriander but it also has a lemony flavor.
Its leaves are used fresh and can replace those of water pepper which is more difficult to find.
Can be eaten fresh.

Rau-ram, plant 10 to 25 cm high, delivered in a plug.
Upon receipt, grow it in a 3 liter pot, water it thoroughly and place it in a shaded place.
It is possible in mild climates to plant it directly in the ground.

Persicaria odorata requires fertile, fresh soil, and aeration whether in a pot or in the ground, watering regularly.
The more it is watered, the faster it will grow.
This culinary species requires little light.
It will grow very well in a shady and humid place or even in partial shade.
Which often gives plenty of planting possibilities.

• Strong, very spicy foliage.
• Taste of cilantro with lemon flavor.
• Hardy, fast growing.
• Beautiful green foliage variegated with red.