basil
Ocimum L.
A genus overview; characteristics vary between its species.
The basil genus encompasses annual herbs, persistent perennial plants and shrubs. Many are strongly aromatic, and several are cultivated for fragrance or culinary use. Sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, is one recognised member, but the genus also contains many less familiar species with different growth forms and leaf shapes. Flora of Pakistan: Ocimum, I. C. HedgeKew POWO: Ocimum
Botanical name
Ocimum L. is an accepted genus in Lamiaceae. The catalog’s genus rank is retained rather than interpreted as a particular basil species. Kew POWO: Ocimum
Recognizing the plant
Leaves are simple and usually paired, with margins ranging from nearly smooth to toothed. Flower clusters gather into upright terminal or lateral inflorescences, often with gaps between successive groups. The small bracts can fall early. Each flower has a strongly two-lipped corolla, white or pink in the general Kew account: the upper lip has four lobes and the lower lip is undivided. Four stamens usually project beyond the flower tube. The resulting small nutlets are rounded to ellipsoid and commonly become mucilaginous when moistened. Flora of Pakistan: Ocimum, I. C. HedgeKew: Ocimum generic descriptions
Native range
Ocimum is native across tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Kew’s generic account highlights Africa and records species in drier grasslands and open woodland, alongside the familiar plants cultivated far outside their original habitats. Kew POWO: OcimumKew: Ocimum generic descriptions
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.