Kinh gioi

Kinh gioi

Scientific Name:
Elsholtzia ciliate

Family:
Lamiaceae

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 63)

Introduction

Elsholtzia ciliata, commonly known as Vietnamese balm or kinh giới, is a flowering plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Asia and has been introduced to parts of North America and Europe. The plant is valued for its culinary and medicinal properties, particularly in Vietnamese cuisine and traditional medicine. Its scientific classification is as follows: - Kingdom: Plantae - Clade: Tracheophytes, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Asterids - Order: Lamiales - Family: Lamiaceae - Genus: Elsholtzia - Species: E. ciliata

Characteristics

Physical Characteristics: - Height: Elsholtzia ciliata grows to about 30–50 cm (12–20 in) in height. - Leaves: Simple, opposite, with serrated margins. - Flowers: Bilaterally symmetrical, blue to purple, with five petals or sepals. - Fruit: Dry, does not split open when ripe.

Growing Conditions: - Prefers moist soil and grows well in exposed rocky slopes and open, gravelly areas. - Can thrive in man-made or disturbed habitats.

Lifecycle: - Annual or short-lived perennial herb.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Elsholtzia ciliata could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Medicinal Properties: It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which could be valuable in space environments where access to medical facilities is limited. - Culinary Use: Its lemony flavor could enhance the palatability of space-grown food, improving crew morale and nutrition. - Low Maintenance: As an adaptable herb, it might require less maintenance compared to other crops, making it suitable for controlled environments like space stations.

History of Cultivation in Space

There is no documented history of Elsholtzia ciliata being cultivated in space. However, its potential for space cultivation could be explored in future research, focusing on its adaptability to controlled environments and its benefits for both nutrition and health in space missions.