Coleus esculentus (N. E. Br.) G. Taylor, J. Bot. 69 (suppl. 2): 158. 1931.

≡ Plectranthus esculentus N. E. Br., Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1894: 12. 1894. Type: cultivated at K from material sent by J. Medley Wood from KwaZulu-Natal, 1893 (lectotype K [K 000975993], designated by Codd (1975); isolectotype BOL).

Note.

Our treatment of C. esculentus departs from recent floras, which recognised two species ( C. esculentus and C. densus). Variation in DR. Congo is complex, comprising morphs difficult to accommodate into such a scheme. We recognise one species comprising four varieties, including a new one. Evidence from molecular markers is needed to test the validity of this treatment.