Ocimum
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 Ocimum basilicum
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About 35 species, including: |
Ocimum is a genus of about 35 species of aromatic annual and perrenial herbs and shrubs in the family Lamiaceae, native to the tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World.
Ocimum basilicum (Basil) is a culinary herb of major importance; see that page for further details.
Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil; syn. O. sanctum) is a sacred herb in India but is not much used for culinary purposes there. Also known as Tulsi, the plant is worshipped as dear to Vishnu in some sects of Vaishnavism. A tea made from the leaves is used as a remedy for cold in India.
Thai basil, another cultivar of the same species, is a very common ingredient in Thai cuisine with a strong flavour similar to aniseed, which used to flavour curries and stir-fries.
Ocimum americanum (syn. O. canum) is, despite its name, a native of tropical Africa.
The hybrid between O. americanum and O. basilicum, Ocimum × citriodorum (Lemon Basil) is noted for its lemon flavour.
Ocimum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Endoclita malabaricus.
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