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Ocimum (Ocimum)
Ocimum are a group of strongly aromatic, and often flavorful, herbs and shrubs. Many species within the genus are of tremendous culinary importance. Some species are used as herbs, and others are used as teas. Ocimum have such an influence all over the world that many cultures consider these species to be sacred and use them in religious rituals.
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Ocimum
Feedback
Attributes of Ocimum
Plant Height
50 cm
Spread
50 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Ocimum
Distribution of Ocimum
Feedback
Distribution Map of Ocimum
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Ocimum
Feedback
Ocimum has basic care needs that correspond to moderate light, ample water, warm temperatures, and richly organic well-drained soil. Challenges include pests like aphids and whiteflies, fungal diseases, and sensitivity to cold, draughts, and waterlogged soil. Seasonal care involves more watering and sunlight in summer, protection from cold in winter, and periodic pruning after flowering for continued growth. These perennial herbs need a careful balance between water, light, and soil nutrition for optimum yield.
How to Water Ocimum ?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Ocimum ?
How to Propagate Ocimum ?
How to Plant Ocimum ?
Exploring the Ocimum Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Sweet basil
Sweet basil is a species of mint plant native to Asia and Africa. It is a popular houseplant, and thrives when it receives plenty of regular sun and water. This plant is also easy to transfer from one soil environment to another. The edible sweet basil leaves can be eaten fresh or dried with pizza, salads, soups, teas, and many other dishes.
Holy basil
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a fragrant herb that’s indigenous to India. It’s a popular ingredient in Thai cuisine. When used for this purpose, it’s called Thai holy basil. Adherents of the Vaishnava strain of Hinduism use it in religious ceremonies. Holistic practitioners worldwide place immense value on the aromatic essential oil derived from the plant.
African basil
African basil (Ocimum gratissimum) has an accurate name since it is a member of the basil family native to Africa, although you'll now find it in many tropical and subtropical climates as an introduced species. This aromatic herb is used in cooking to flavor foods. It is also grown commercially because it's widely used as an essential oil.
Wild basil
Ocimum americanum, known as American basil or "hoary basil", is an annual herb with white or lavender flowers. It is used for medicinal purposes. Despite the misleading name, it is native to Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia. The species is naturalized in Queensland, Christmas Island, and parts of tropical America.
Sweet basil 'Persian'
Named for its origin in the Middle East, sweet basil 'Persian' has a strong, spicy, anise-clove flavor and emits a powerful aroma. This basil has large green leaves and sturdy branches. The long purple stems are home to beautiful pink flowers that bloom later in the season than other basils.
Lemon basil
Lemon basil, hoary basil, Thai lemon basil, or Lao basil, (Ocimum × africanum) is a hybrid between basil (Ocimum basilicum) and American basil (Ocimum americanum). The herb is grown primarily in northeastern Africa and southern Asia for its fragrant lemon scent, and is used in cooking. Lemon basil stems can grow to 20–40 cm (8–20 in) tall. It has white flowers in late summer to early fall. The leaves are similar to basil leaves, but tend to be narrower with slightly serrated edges. Seeds form on the plant after flowering and dry on the plant. Lemon basil is a popular herb in Arabic, Indonesian, Philippines, Lao, Malay, Persian and Thai cuisine.
Sweet Basil 'Italian Large-Leaf'
Sweet Basil 'Italian Large-Leaf' is a popular culinary herb that is widely grown for its aromatic leaves. The plant is known for its large, glossy, and oval-shaped leaves with smooth or slightly toothed edges. In summary, Sweet Basil 'Italian Large Leaf' is a popular cultivar of the Sweet Basil plant, widely grown for its large, glossy, and aromatic leaves.
Bush basil
Bush basil is a more compact basil variety, which makes it ideal for growing in small pots and incorporating into recipes. It is great for lighting up windowsills as it has lovely small white flowers that burst out of the stems.
All Species of Ocimum
Sweet basil
Sweet basil
Sweet basil is a species of mint plant native to Asia and Africa. It is a popular houseplant, and thrives when it receives plenty of regular sun and water. This plant is also easy to transfer from one soil environment to another. The edible sweet basil leaves can be eaten fresh or dried with pizza, salads, soups, teas, and many other dishes.
Holy basil
Holy basil
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a fragrant herb that’s indigenous to India. It’s a popular ingredient in Thai cuisine. When used for this purpose, it’s called Thai holy basil. Adherents of the Vaishnava strain of Hinduism use it in religious ceremonies. Holistic practitioners worldwide place immense value on the aromatic essential oil derived from the plant.
African basil
African basil
African basil (Ocimum gratissimum) has an accurate name since it is a member of the basil family native to Africa, although you'll now find it in many tropical and subtropical climates as an introduced species. This aromatic herb is used in cooking to flavor foods. It is also grown commercially because it's widely used as an essential oil.
Wild basil
Wild basil
Ocimum americanum, known as American basil or "hoary basil", is an annual herb with white or lavender flowers. It is used for medicinal purposes. Despite the misleading name, it is native to Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia. The species is naturalized in Queensland, Christmas Island, and parts of tropical America.
Sweet basil 'Persian'
Sweet basil 'Persian'
Named for its origin in the Middle East, sweet basil 'Persian' has a strong, spicy, anise-clove flavor and emits a powerful aroma. This basil has large green leaves and sturdy branches. The long purple stems are home to beautiful pink flowers that bloom later in the season than other basils.
Lemon basil
Lemon basil
Lemon basil, hoary basil, Thai lemon basil, or Lao basil, (Ocimum × africanum) is a hybrid between basil (Ocimum basilicum) and American basil (Ocimum americanum). The herb is grown primarily in northeastern Africa and southern Asia for its fragrant lemon scent, and is used in cooking. Lemon basil stems can grow to 20–40 cm (8–20 in) tall. It has white flowers in late summer to early fall. The leaves are similar to basil leaves, but tend to be narrower with slightly serrated edges. Seeds form on the plant after flowering and dry on the plant. Lemon basil is a popular herb in Arabic, Indonesian, Philippines, Lao, Malay, Persian and Thai cuisine.
Sweet Basil 'Italian Large-Leaf'
Sweet Basil 'Italian Large-Leaf'
Sweet Basil 'Italian Large-Leaf' is a popular culinary herb that is widely grown for its aromatic leaves. The plant is known for its large, glossy, and oval-shaped leaves with smooth or slightly toothed edges. In summary, Sweet Basil 'Italian Large Leaf' is a popular cultivar of the Sweet Basil plant, widely grown for its large, glossy, and aromatic leaves.
Bush basil
Bush basil
Bush basil is a more compact basil variety, which makes it ideal for growing in small pots and incorporating into recipes. It is great for lighting up windowsills as it has lovely small white flowers that burst out of the stems.
Common basil 'African Blue'
Common basil 'African Blue'
Common basil 'African Blue' is a cross between camphor basil and dark oval basil. It is a sterile basil that cannot produce seeds of its own. The leaves start out purple and change to green over time. Long purple stems produce dark purple buds that open into lavender flowers. Common basil 'African Blue' is named for its purplish-blue color and African parentage.
Sweet basil 'Thai'
Sweet basil 'Thai'
Sweet basil 'Thai' is a popular basil. This basil has narrow, dark green leaves with purple veins. The purple stems bloom purple flowers. Sweet basil 'Thai' has a fragrance that is pleasant and sweet, and a flavor reminiscent of anise, licorice, and clove.
Sweet basil 'Dolce Fresca'
Sweet basil 'Dolce Fresca'
Sweet basil 'Dolce Fresca' is a compact and fragrant variety that is perfect for containers. Its tiny leaves are full of flavor and can be used fresh or dried. Not only is it a staple in Italian cuisine, but it also attracts pollinators to the garden.
Sweet basil 'Genovese'
Sweet basil 'Genovese'
Sweet basil 'Genovese' is known for its spicy-sweet flavor and is a popular choice for Italian dishes. This herb is typically grown in herb gardens and has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It can repel mosquitos and is a great addition to any garden or kitchen.
Spicy globe basil
Spicy globe basil
Spicy globe basil has ornamental and edible appeal since its fragrant leaves form an attractively rounded globe shape, and have a pleasant flavor that is spicier than most basils. This basil can be harvested continuously during the summer and will continue to grow. Its leaves taste best when fresh.
Aroma 2 Basil
Aroma 2 Basil
Aroma 2 Basil is an upright basil plant with aromatic, ovate, dark green leaves that have a sweet and spicy fragrance. This basil plant has white flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Aroma 2 Basil is an improved hybrid of Genovese basil, which is the most popular basil for culinary use.
Sweet basil 'Cinnamon'
Sweet basil 'Cinnamon'
Sweet basil 'Cinnamon' has a spicy flavor and a fragrance reminiscent of incense. The foliage is serrated and dark green with purple veins. As lovely as it is flavorful, sweet basil 'Cinnamon' has purple stems that bloom white and pink flowers throughout the summer.
Sweet basil 'Dark Opal'
Sweet basil 'Dark Opal'
The sweet basil 'Dark Opal' isn't an easy variety to grow, but with its eggplant color and mild licorice flavor, they are well worth the extra care. This annual herb, cultivated by John Scarchuk and Joseph Lent from sweet basil in the 1950s, loves hot weather and makes a beautiful ornamental bush. Pop flower buds off to promote the best leaf growth.
Sweet basil 'Siam Queen'
Sweet basil 'Siam Queen'
Sweet basil 'Siam Queen' is a popular Thai basil variety known for its strong anise and licorice aroma. Its vibrant green foliage and purple stems make for a beautiful addition to any garden. Not only a culinary herb, but it also has medicinal and insect-repelling properties. Its leaves are also used in traditional Thai medicine.
Greek basil
Greek basil
Greek basil is a multi-stemmed perennial that's often used as a low-growing ground cover. It produces mauve or white frilly flowers that attract a number of pollinators and butterflies. It's considered a "pyrophyte" - a species that's well adapted to fire and often appears after the grass has been burnt.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Ocimum
Ocimum
Ocimum are a group of strongly aromatic, and often flavorful, herbs and shrubs. Many species within the genus are of tremendous culinary importance. Some species are used as herbs, and others are used as teas. Ocimum have such an influence all over the world that many cultures consider these species to be sacred and use them in religious rituals.
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Ocimum
Feedback
Attributes of Ocimum
Plant Height
50 cm
Spread
50 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Ocimum
Distribution of Ocimum
Feedback
Distribution Map of Ocimum
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Ocimum
Feedback
Ocimum has basic care needs that correspond to moderate light, ample water, warm temperatures, and richly organic well-drained soil. Challenges include pests like aphids and whiteflies, fungal diseases, and sensitivity to cold, draughts, and waterlogged soil. Seasonal care involves more watering and sunlight in summer, protection from cold in winter, and periodic pruning after flowering for continued growth. These perennial herbs need a careful balance between water, light, and soil nutrition for optimum yield.
How to Water Ocimum ?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Ocimum ?
How to Propagate Ocimum ?
How to Plant Ocimum ?
Exploring the Ocimum Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Sweet basil
Sweet basil is a species of mint plant native to Asia and Africa. It is a popular houseplant, and thrives when it receives plenty of regular sun and water. This plant is also easy to transfer from one soil environment to another. The edible sweet basil leaves can be eaten fresh or dried with pizza, salads, soups, teas, and many other dishes.
Holy basil
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a fragrant herb that’s indigenous to India. It’s a popular ingredient in Thai cuisine. When used for this purpose, it’s called Thai holy basil. Adherents of the Vaishnava strain of Hinduism use it in religious ceremonies. Holistic practitioners worldwide place immense value on the aromatic essential oil derived from the plant.
African basil
African basil (Ocimum gratissimum) has an accurate name since it is a member of the basil family native to Africa, although you'll now find it in many tropical and subtropical climates as an introduced species. This aromatic herb is used in cooking to flavor foods. It is also grown commercially because it's widely used as an essential oil.
Wild basil
Ocimum americanum, known as American basil or "hoary basil", is an annual herb with white or lavender flowers. It is used for medicinal purposes. Despite the misleading name, it is native to Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia. The species is naturalized in Queensland, Christmas Island, and parts of tropical America.
Show More Species
All Species of Ocimum
Sweet basil
Holy basil
African basil
Wild basil
Sweet basil 'Persian'
Lemon basil
Sweet Basil 'Italian Large-Leaf'
Bush basil
Common basil 'African Blue'
Sweet basil 'Thai'
Sweet basil 'Dolce Fresca'
Sweet basil 'Genovese'
Spicy globe basil
Aroma 2 Basil
Sweet basil 'Cinnamon'
Sweet basil 'Dark Opal'
Sweet basil 'Siam Queen'
Greek basil
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
