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Description
Clinopodium Vulgare Subsp. Vulgare, commonly known as wild basil, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and is widely distributed in temperate regions worldwide. The plant has a strong aromatic scent and is mainly used for medicinal and culinary purposes. It grows up to a height of 60 cm and has a spread of 30 cm.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Clinopodium |
Appearance
Clinopodium Vulgare Subsp. Vulgare has a bushy growth habit and produces multiple stems from the base. The leaves are oval-shaped, slightly toothed, and have a dark green color on the upper surface and a lighter green color on the lower surface. The flowers bloom from June to September and are small and pink or purple in color. The plant produces small, black seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
Clinopodium Vulgare Subsp. Vulgare is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are the care tips:Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade but may produce fewer flowers.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Clinopodium Vulgare Subsp. Vulgare is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plant well-watered, and prune any infected parts.
Habitat
Clinopodium Vulgare Subsp. Vulgare is a native plant to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It grows in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, forests, and roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil and moderate moisture.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Clinopodium Vulgare Subsp. Vulgare edible?
A: Yes, the plant is edible, and its leaves are used in salads, soups, and sauces.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Clinopodium Vulgare Subsp. Vulgare?
A: The plant has been traditionally used to treat digestive problems, respiratory infections, and fever.
Q: Can Clinopodium Vulgare Subsp. Vulgare be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Clinopodium Vulgare Subsp. Vulgare be pruned?
A: The plant can be pruned in the spring to encourage bushier growth and in the fall to remove any dead or diseased parts.
Related Plants
- Clinopodium acinos
- Clinopodium brownei
- Clinopodium coccineum
- Clinopodium georgianum
- Clinopodium gracile
References
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10315/Clinopodium-vulgare-Subsp-vulgare/Details
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clinopodium-vulgare-subsp-vulgare-wild-basil
- https://www.nature-and-garden.com/gardening/clinopodium-vulgare-subsp-vulgare-wild-basil.html
