Family: Lamiaceae
Author: (Benth.) Kuntze
Bibliography: Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 514 (1891)
Year: 1891
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Clinopodium
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia
Description
Slender wild basil, known scientifically as Clinopodium gracile, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. This remarkable herbaceous plant is notable for its presence and adaptability across the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, where it thrives in a variety of environments.
The plant was first formalized in literature through the extensive botanical revisions found in “Revisio Generum Plantarum” in 1891, a pivotal work by taxonomist Otto Kuntze. Initially described by George Bentham, the species was later attributed its current scientific name during Kuntze’s comprehensive revision of plant genera.
Characterized by its slender, often sprawling form, Clinopodium gracile is frequently appreciated for its delicate structure and subtle aromatic properties, which are typical of many members of the mint family, Lamiaceae. This family is renowned for its culinary and medicinal plants, which include familiar herbs such as basil, mint, and rosemary. True to its heritage, slender wild basil shares some of these valued traits, albeit in a less conspicuous form compared to its more commonly known relatives.
In its native regions, Clinopodium gracile often grows in the wild, contributing to the local biodiversity and playing a role in traditional practices and natural medicine. Its utility, combined with its gentle appearance, makes it a plant of interest not only to botanists but also to those who appreciate the subtle beauty and benefits of wild flora.
Given its wide distribution and adaptability, Clinopodium gracile serves as an excellent example of the resilience and versatility of plant species within the Lamiaceae family. Whether observed in its natural habitat or studied for its botanical significance, slender wild basil remains an understated yet valuable component of the diverse plant life in Asia.
Common Names
Eng: slender wild basil
En: Slender wild basil
Synonyms
- Calamintha gracilis (Benth.)
- Satureja gracilis ((Benth.) Nakai)
- Clinopodium confine ((Hance) Kuntze)
- Satureja confinis ((Hance) Kudô)
- Clinopodium confine var. globosum (C.Y.Wu & S.J.Hsuan ex H.W.Li)
- Calamintha argyi (H.Lév.)
- Calamintha moluccana (Miq.)
- Calamintha radicans (Vaniot)
- Calamintha confinis (Hance)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- Borneo (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Japan (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Korea (native)
- Laos (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Teresa Teresa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Norma Villalta (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2021 by whoa nice plant (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2021 by whoa nice plant (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2021 by whoa nice plant (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 23, 2022 by bikash singh (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2022 by bikash singh (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2022 by bikash singh (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2022 by Hemanth Kumar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2021 by Amanda Kuntz (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 14, 2014 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926958)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:445784-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clinopodium gracile (Benth.) Kuntze)