Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Lamiales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
mearnsii
ID:
254072

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Ayob. ex Sebald) A.J.Paton

Source:
wcs

Year:
1999

Citation Micro:
Basil : 32 (1999)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000253404

Common Names

  • Ocimum Mearnsii
  • Mearns' Basil
  • African Basil

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Synonyms

  • Becium grandiflorum mearnsii Ayob. ex Sebald [unknown]
  • Becium mearnsii (Ayob. ex Sebald) A.J.Paton [unknown]

Description

Ocimum mearnsii (also called Mearns Basil, among many other common names) is an aromatic herbaceous plant native to East Africa. It has a woody stem and grows up to 1 meter in height. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in open, sunny areas and is often found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and cultivated fields.

Uses & Benefits

Ocimum mearnsii is used as an ornamental plant, for its fragrant leaves and flowers, and as a medicinal plant for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Ocimum mearnsii is a white or pale purple color and has a tubular shape. The seed is small and black. The seedlings are small and have a single stem with a few leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Ocimum mearnsii is a tropical plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is done by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a warm, moist environment and kept moist until germination occurs. Division should be done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

Where to Find Ocimum mearnsii

Ocimum mearnsii is native to tropical Africa.

Ocimum mearnsii FAQ

What is the scientific name of Ocimum mearnsii?

Ocimum mearnsii

What are the common names of Ocimum mearnsii?

African basil, African wild basil, Mearns' basil

What is the natural habitat of Ocimum mearnsii?

Ocimum mearnsii is native to tropical Africa

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,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-136982: Based on the initial data import
Alan James Paton (b.1963): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'A.J.Paton' in the authors string.
Oskar Sebald (1929-2017): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Sebald' in the authors string.
François-Xavier Ayobangira: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Ayob.' in the authors string.