African basil (Ocimum gratissimum, Sp. Pl.: 1197 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1197 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ocimum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Old World

Description

African basil, scientifically known as Ocimum gratissimum, is a remarkable plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, renowned for both its aromatic properties and diverse uses. The species was first documented in “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, universally recognized by the abbreviation “L.” This historical foundation underscores the plant’s long-standing significance across various cultures.

Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, African basil thrives in warm climates, making it a common and cherished plant in many households and gardens within these areas. Its broad green leaves and delicate white to pale pink flowers contribute not only to its ornamental appeal but also to its usefulness in culinary and medicinal contexts.

In culinary traditions, African basil is prized primarily for its intensely aromatic leaves, which impart a delightful flavor to a variety of dishes. It is particularly beloved in African and Asian cuisine, where it enhances everything from soups and stews to fresh salads and sauces. The essential oils distilled from O. gratissimum are also valuable, often used as a natural preservative and flavoring agent.

Beyond the kitchen, African basil is celebrated for its medicinal properties. Traditional medicine practices leverage its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities. The leaves, either fresh or dried, are commonly used in herbal teas, poultices, and tinctures to treat ailments such as colds, fever, coughs, and digestive issues. Modern scientific research continues to explore the potential applications of African basil extracts in pharmaceutical and wellness industries, validating many of the traditional uses.

Cultivating African basil is relatively uncomplicated, making it accessible to both amateur gardeners and experienced horticulturists. The plant prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location, flourishing with regular watering and minimal maintenance. Its resilience and versatility further enhance its popularity, ensuring that it remains a consistent presence in gardens worldwide.

In conclusion, African basil, with its rich historical roots and wide range of applications, remains a significant botanical treasure. Whether appreciated for its culinary zest, medicinal benefits, or simple yet striking presence in a garden, O. gratissimum continues to enchant and serve the needs of those who cultivate and cherish it.

Common Names

Eng: african basil, east indian basil, russian basil, clove basil, shrubby basil, tree basil
Spa: albahaca de limón
Por: alfavaca-brava, alfavacão
Fra: menthe gabonaise
Swe: nejlikbasilika
En: African basil, East Indian basil, Russian basil, Clove basil, Tree basil, Shrubby basil, Zulu basil, Lemon Basil, Tea bush, Basil, Mosquito plant, Wild basil
Am: ኣንጨባ
Ar: حبق بهيج
Az: Gözəl reyhan
Zh: 丁香罗勒, 印度零陵香, 美羅勒
Fi: Pensasbasilika
Fr: Menthe gabonaise, Basilic africain, Basilic sauvage, Baumier, Gros baume
Ff: Kacuke
Hi: Ram tulsi
Id: Selasih mekah
Ln: Lumba lumba
Ml: കാട്ടുതുളസി
Mr: अजवला
Fa: اسیموم گراتیسیموم
Pl: Bazylia eugenolowa
Pt: Alfavacão, Alfavaca brava, Alfavaca-brava
Pt-br: Alfavaca-de-caboclo
Ru: Базилик эвгенольный
Es: Albahaca de limón, Albahaca de clavo
Sv: Nejlikbasilika
Zh-tw: 美羅勒
Ta: பெருந்துளசி
Te: రామ తులసి
Th: กะเพราควาย
Zh-hant: 丁香羅勒
Vi: Hương nhu trắng
Yo: Efinrin

Synonyms

Distribution

• Aldabra (native)
• Andaman Is. (native)
• Angola (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Caprivi Strip (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Congo (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• India (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Laccadive Is. (native)
• Laos (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maldives (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Aruba (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Bismarck Archipelago (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• Burkina (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Chad (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Gambia (introduced)
• Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Mexico Gulf (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Netherlands Antilles (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• Niger (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Dec 8, 2020 by Jitin Budhlakoti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2021 by Valero Omar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 8, 2022 by Déogratias NEPA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2020 by FERREIRA DIEGO CÉSAR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2022 by Tamires Ferreira (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2020 by Nogueira Cassio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Chinnasamy sadasiven (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Jun 22, 2022 by William Gustave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by Yan kretschmer napoleão (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2020 by Joanna McCallum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2022 by PATRON JULIANA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2020 by Alexandre Andrade (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2019 by rastamimi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Susan Brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 1952 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Colin Alistair Pendry (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 4, 1954 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Colin Alistair Pendry (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 14, 2021 by Ben ATTOUMANI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2022 by bimbi bimbi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 5, 2016 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2021 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2020 by Silva Gerson Roberto da (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 1997 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Colin Alistair Pendry (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 10, 1963 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Colin Alistair Pendry (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927094)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:452969-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ocimum gratissimum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth