Is this a herb? Please identify.

[john9159]

Hi,
Saw this growing on a neighbour's plot at the allotments. Both he and I want to know what it is.
The leaves are green on top side, purple underneath and about 4-5" long.
When first seen growing, it had a smell reminiscent of mint but now that it is larger and been growing for several months it is of licorice.
He was given seeds to eat after a meal in an Indian restaurant, a kind of breath freshener I guess, but he kept seeds which he planted and here is the result.
Pic attached.

[Jay-ell]

Have a Google of perilla see if it matches up

[veggiechicken]

I'd suggest Perilla too

[mat]

Does anyone know where I can buy plants (not seeds) of perilla by mail order, phone or internet? I want to write about it this year, and know from long experience that I only manage to germinate it from seed about once every decade!

[veggiechicken]

Manor Farm Herbs: Basils Parsleys & Shiso
Other suppliers are available - search for Shiso. Plants don't seem to be available until May so you may be in time.