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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Ocimum basilicum - Thai Basil (Purple Flowers)



Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum var. citriodorum
Common name: Thai Basil, Asian Basil
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Origin: Southeast Asia
Category: Perennial shrub and culinary herb
Photo taken at: My home garden

The genus "Ocimum" is derived from the Greek word "okimom" meaning fragrant/aromatic.
The common name is derived from the Greek work "basileus" meaning "king".
With this, Ocimum basilicum would mean "Royal Herb"or "King of Herbs"


How to grow :
Grow in full to partial sun. Propagation by seeds or cuttings. Pinch back to keep the plant bushy and compact. Let the flowers dry up before collecting the seeds.

Features :
It can grow to about 1m tall, have small, narrow leaves and purple stems and flowers. The leaves which are edible are used in cooking; in stir fries, soups and in flavouring food.

2 comments:

  1. hi.. where can i get the thai basil seed? I ve been to few nursery in Johor.. but they dont have it..
    another question.. what basil that the flower turns purple?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Ivana, Thai Basil has purple flowers while Sweet Basil has white flowers. You can buy the seeds of both types of basil from Miruku's Garden here:
    http://mirukusgarden.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

Yay! You like flowers too.

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