Status:
valid
Authors:
Lour.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1790
Citation Micro:
Fl. Cochinch. : 370 (1790)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000253206
Common Names
- African Basil
- African Ocimum
- Ocimum africanum
Synonyms
- Ocimum americanum pilosum (Willd.) A.J.Paton [unknown]
- Ocimum basilicum anisatum Benth. [unknown]
- Ocimum citriodorum Vis. [unknown]
- Ocimum graveolens A.Br. [unknown]
- Ocimum petitianum A.Rich. [unknown]
- Ocimum pilosum Willd. [unknown]
- Ocimum basilicum pilosum (Willd.) Benth. [unknown]
- Ocimum citriodorum Vis. [unknown]
Description
Ocimum africanum (also called African Basil, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is an annual herb, typically growing up to 1 m tall. It is native to Africa, where it is found in lowland rainforests and on hillsides.
Uses & Benefits
Ocimum africanum is used as a spice, for flavoring food, and as an herbal remedy for treating colds, coughs, and headaches. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating fever, skin diseases, and as an antidiarrheal.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Ocimum africanum is a small, white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped seed. The seedling is a small, green, oval-shaped seedling with five leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ocimum africanum can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix in spring or early summer. Division can be done in spring or autumn. It should be planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Where to Find Ocimum africanum
Ocimum africanum is native to Africa.
Ocimum africanum FAQ
What is the scientific name of Ocimum africanum?
Ocimum africanum
What is the natural habitat of Ocimum africanum?
Tropical rainforests
What are the common uses of Ocimum africanum?
Medicinal, ornamental, timber
Species in the Ocimum genus
Ocimum africanum,
Ocimum albostellatum,
Ocimum americanum,
Ocimum amicorum,
Ocimum angustifolium,
Ocimum basilicum,
Ocimum burchellianum,
Ocimum campechianum,
Ocimum canescens,
Ocimum carnosum,
Ocimum centrali-africanum,
Ocimum circinatum,
Ocimum coddii,
Ocimum cufodontii,
Ocimum dambicola,
Ocimum decumbens,
Ocimum dhofarense,
Ocimum dolomiticola,
Ocimum ellenbeckii,
Ocimum ericoides,
Ocimum filamentosum,
Ocimum fimbriatum,
Ocimum fischeri,
Ocimum formosum,
Ocimum forskaolii,
Ocimum fruticosum,
Ocimum grandiflorum,
Ocimum gratissimum,
Ocimum hirsutissimum,
Ocimum irvinei,
Ocimum jamesii,
Ocimum kenyense,
Ocimum kilimandscharicum,
Ocimum labiatum,
Ocimum lamiifolium,
Ocimum masaiense,
Ocimum mearnsii,
Ocimum metallorum,
Ocimum minimum,
Ocimum minutiflorum,
Ocimum mitwabense,
Ocimum monocotyloides,
Ocimum natalense,
Ocimum nudicaule,
Ocimum nummularia,
Ocimum obovatum,
Ocimum ovatum,
Ocimum pseudoserratum,
Ocimum pyramidatum,
Ocimum reclinatum,
Species in the Lamiaceae family
Acanthomintha duttonii,
Acanthomintha ilicifolia,
Acanthomintha lanceolata,
Acanthomintha obovata,
Acanthoprasium frutescens,
Acanthoprasium integrifolium,
Achyrospermum aethiopicum,
Achyrospermum africanum,
Achyrospermum axillare,
Achyrospermum carvalhoi,
Achyrospermum ciliatum,
Achyrospermum cryptanthum,
Achyrospermum dasytrichum,
Achyrospermum densiflorum,
Achyrospermum erythobotrys,
Achyrospermum fruticosum,
Achyrospermum laterale,
Achyrospermum micranthum,
Achyrospermum mildbraedii,
Achyrospermum oblongifolium,
Achyrospermum parviflorum,
Achyrospermum purpureum,
Achyrospermum schimperi,
Achyrospermum schlechteri,
Achyrospermum seychellarum,
Achyrospermum tisserantii,
Achyrospermum urens,
Achyrospermum wallichianum,
Achyrospermum scandens,
Acinos alpinus,
Acrotome angustifolia,
Acrotome fleckii,
Acrotome hispida,
Acrotome inflata,
Acrotome mozambiquensis,
Acrotome pallescens,
Acrotome tenuis,
Acrotome thorncroftii,
Acrymia ajugiflora,
Aegiphila aracaensis,
Aegiphila hystricina,
Aegiphila aculeifera,
Aegiphila alba,
Aegiphila anomala,
Aegiphila arcta,
Aegiphila australis,
Aegiphila bogotensis,
Aegiphila boliviana,
Aegiphila brachiata,
Aegiphila bracteolosa,