Contents
Description
Ocimum Gratissimum, commonly known as African basil or clove basil, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Africa and Asia and is widely cultivated for its medicinal and culinary uses. The plant has a strong, spicy aroma and is rich in essential oils, including eugenol, thymol, and camphor. It is a popular ingredient in traditional medicine and is believed to have antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Ocimum |
Appearance
Ocimum Gratissimum grows up to 2 meters tall and has a bushy, upright habit. It has dark green leaves that are ovate, serrated, and slightly hairy. The plant produces small, white or pink flowers that are arranged in spikes. The leaves and stems of the plant are rich in essential oils and have a powerful, spicy aroma. When crushed, the leaves release a strong, clove-like scent that is characteristic of the plant.
Care Guide
Ocimum Gratissimum is relatively easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:
Water
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Use a fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy growth.
Soil
Ocimum Gratissimum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that is specifically formulated for herbs or mix equal parts of compost, peat moss, and perlite to create a well-draining soil mix.
Sunlight
The plant requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. Place your plant in a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you are growing the plant indoors, place it near a sunny window or under grow lights.
Hardiness Zones
Ocimum Gratissimum is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow the plant as an annual or overwinter it indoors.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ocimum Gratissimum is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. If you notice signs of infestation, such as yellowing leaves or sticky residue, treat your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent fungal infections, avoid overwatering and provide good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Ocimum Gratissimum is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, where it grows in open fields, forests, and along roadsides. The plant prefers warm, humid climates with temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. It can grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy loam to clay, as long as the soil is well-draining.
Question and Answer
Q: What is Ocimum Gratissimum used for?
A: Ocimum Gratissimum is used for its medicinal and culinary properties. It is believed to have antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and is used to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, fever, and rheumatism. It is also used as a flavoring agent in cooking, particularly in African and Asian cuisines.
Q: Can Ocimum Gratissimum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Ocimum Gratissimum can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day or under grow lights.
Q: How often should I water my Ocimum Gratissimum plant?
A: Water your Ocimum Gratissimum plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: How do I propagate Ocimum Gratissimum?
A: Ocimum Gratissimum can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds. To propagate from cuttings, take a 4 to 6-inch stem cutting and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Water the cutting and keep it in a warm, humid place until it roots.
Related Plants
- Ocimum basilicum (Sweet Basil)
- Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil)
- Ocimum sanctum (Sacred Basil)
- Ocimum americanum (American Basil)
References
- “Ocimum gratissimum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 June 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287190&isprofile=0&>.
- “Ocimum gratissimum.” Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products. Accessed 22 June 2021. <https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/ocimum.html>.
- “Ocimum gratissimum.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 22 June 2021. <http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:453797-1>.
