MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MEDICINAL Coleus amboinicus L. IN VIETNAM

Abstract

This study evaluated the morphological diversity, fresh biomass, and essential oil content of 15 Coleus amboinicus L. accessions collected in various regions in Vietnam. Based on standardized UPOV descriptors on key vegetative and reproductive traits, including plant height, petiole coloration, flower characteristics, the accessions were classified into three distinct morphological groups. Individual fresh biomass ranged from 1,974.0 to 2,804.3 g/plant while the essential oil content, determined using the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia V protocol, ranged from 0.30% to 0.48%, with HC5 exhibiting the highest content. These findings highlight the potential of selecting promising accessions, particularly in Group II and III for breeding programs at enhancing biomass productivity and essential oil yield of C. amboinicus.