Ocimum
From Freepedia
| Ocimum | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image:Basil 1511.jpg Ocimum basilicum | ||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
| Species | ||||||||||||
|
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. Known as Tulasi, 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. Also known as Thai basil, it 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.
