Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Food - Leaves and flowers used as herbs in salads and especially with tomato dishes, pasta sauces. Leaves also made into tea. An essential oil obtained from the plant is used as a food flavouring in mustards, sauces, vinegars etc. Medicine - Sweet basil has been used for thousands of years as a culinary and medicinal herb. It acts principally on the digestive and nervous systems, easing flatulence, stomach cramps, colic and indigestion. Cosmetics/Essential oils - An essential oil obtained from the whole plant is used in perfumery, dental applications etc. When applied to the skin it makes a good mosquito repellent. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan
Thrives in warm climates and well-drained soil. Commonly cultivated in gardens and pots.
It is annual herb growing to a height of 60-90 cm. It has a bushy upright growth habit.
Stem is green, square-shaped typically become woody at the base as the plant matures.
Leaves are oppositely arranged, oval-shaped with slightly toothed edges. Typically 5.1-10.2 cm long and have a glossy appearance.
Flowers are tiny purple or white arranged in flattened clusters that encircle the stem. These clusters form one above the other along the stem.
Fruit is small, dry containing seeds.
Flowering: July – September,
Fruiting: September – December.