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Ocimum × africanum Lour.
| Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
| Synonyms: | Ocimum Vis. × citriodorum |
| Common Name: | Lemon Basil, Hoary Basil |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Semi-Annual / Annual-Like, Annual |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 30 cm to 45 cm |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Africa, China, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Annual or short-lived perennial herb up to 45 cm tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Smooth, light green leaves are elliptic with pointed tips. |
| Flowers | White to cream-coloured flowers are tubular and 2-lipped. They are arranged along a spike inflorescence. |
| Fruit | Fruits are composed of tiny, 1-seeded nutlets. |
| Taxonomy | It is a natural hybrid formed by a cross of Ocimum americanum with O. basilicum. |
| Cultivation | This hybrid is best grown in containers. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves Food (Herb or Spice): Leaves have a lemon and basil taste and aroma. They can be used in salad dressing, pesto and dishes with fish or chicken. The leaves can be steeped in very hot water to make an herbal tea. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Fragrant (Foliage) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Planting Remarks | If this plant is only used for its leaves, remove flowering spikes as they emerge to maximize leaf flavour. However, the seeds also have a strong lemon taste and can be used to prepare an herbal tea. |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
| Planting Distance | 20 cm |
| Seed / Spore Germination Duration | 2 days to 10 days |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White, Cream / Off-White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31385 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5782 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
