Wild basil - Ocimum americanum

Common Name :	Wild basil.
Binomial Name :	Ocimum americanum
Family :	Lamiaceae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

Botanical Identity

Ocimum americanum, commonly known as American basil or hoary basil, is an aromatic annual or short-lived perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Despite the name, it is native to Africa and parts of South Asia, and has naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. This species is closely related to sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) and shares a similarly strong, clove-like scent that makes it a popular choice for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Plant Description

Ocimum americanum typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters, with branching stems that are square in cross-section—a common trait among mints. The leaves are narrow, ovate, and emit a strong aromatic fragrance when crushed. The plant prefers warm climates, full sun, and well-drained soils, and is often found growing along roadsides, in open fields, or cultivated in herb gardens. It is a fast-growing plant and can complete its life cycle within a single growing season in tropical areas.

Flowers and Fruit Characteristics

The plant produces small, tubular, pale purple to white flowers arranged in whorls along a terminal spike. These blooms appear primarily during the warmer months and are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, Ocimum americanum develops small nutlets that contain seeds used for propagation. The flowers, while small, contribute to the herb’s ornamental and ecological value in garden settings.

Photos of this Wild basil (Ocimum americanum) were taken from the following locations:
1) August 2020: Dublin, Ireland. I got the plant growing itself on one of my pots at the windowsill. I bought the pot containing some herbs. With that the seed probably came on it. Later I let the plant grow instead of plucking out.


Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icflora.blogspot.com