Common Name: |
Hoary Basil |
Other Names: |
Meng Luk, Maeng Lak, Hairy Basil |
Botanical Name: |
Ocimum americanum syn. O. canum |
Genus: |
Ocimum |
Family: |
Lamiaceae |
Native Location: |
Tropical and S Africa, Madagascar, China, India, Sri Lanka |
Cultivation: |
Rich, light, well-drained to dry soil in sun, pH5-8. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushiness and delay flowering. Ocimum x. citriodorum dislikes transplanting so is best sown in situ. Slugs, aphids, whitefly, spider mites, and Botrytis may attack plants. Basil is often used in companion planting because it is said to repel aphids, asparagus beetles, mites, and tomato hornworms, and to slow the growth of milkweed bugs. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring at 13°C (55°F); by softwood cuttings in spring (perennials and shrubs). |
Harvest: |
Whole plants (O. americanum, O. basilicum, O. gratissimum, O. tenuiflorum) are cut just before flowering begins and dried or distilled for oil. Leaves are picked during the growing season and used fresh or juiced, or dried for infusions and decoctions. Ocimum tenuiflorum is prepared as powder adn medicated ghee. Seeds (O. americanum, O. basilicum, O. tenuiflorum) are collected when ripe and dried for decoctions. Roots are harvested and dried for decoctions. |
Height: |
15-70cm (6-28in) |
Width: |
8-38cm (3-15in) |
Variations: |
Spice Has a heart-shaped, hairy, strongly veined leaves, 5-6cm (2-2½in) long, with toothed margins, and pale violet on flowers on hairy stems, 13-15cm (5-6in) long. Has a floral, spicy, slightly camphoraceous aroma. Height: 50cm (20in) Width: 30cm (12in) |
Hardiness: |
Z10 |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, seeds, oil. |
Properties: |
An aromatic, tonic herb that lowers fever and has expectorant effects. May have a cinnamon, camphor, or citrus-like scent. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for fever, dysentery, mucus, and malaria. |
Culinary Uses: |
Leaves are used to flavor curries, soups, salads, meat dishes, and stuffings. Seeds, soaked in water, are mixed with coconut milk and sugar as a cooling drink. |
Economic Uses: |
Oil is used in perfumer, soaps, and dental products. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 290-291 |