Closely related to Ocimum basilicum[].

Common Name: Hairy Basil

General Information

Ocimum americanum is an erect, perennial, aromatic plant usually growing 20 - 30cm tall with some specimens up to 100cm[, ]. The plant is often grown as an annual, especially in cooler climates.
The aromatic leaves are used as a flavouring in a range of foods, whilst a cooling drink can be made from the seeds. The plant is gathered from the wild and also often cultivated[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Tropical Africa; E. Asia - China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea.

Habitat

Roadsides, in fields, in teak forests, and in open waste places, preferring sunny, wind-sheltered spots[]. It is found at elevations from sea level, usually to 500 metres but occasionally to 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist, lowland tropics, where it is usually found at elevations up to 500 metres, but occasionally to 2,000 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 30°c, but can tolerate 10 - 35°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 700 - 2,000mm, but tolerates 500 - 3,000mm[].
Prefers a rich, light, well-drained to dry soil and a position in full sun[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7, tolerating 5 - 8[].
The plant can become a bad weed on farms in western Africa[].
The plant can commence flowering when 8 - 12 weeks old, seeds mature after 14 - 20 weeks. Harvest may start 2 - 3 months after sowing[].
An average yield is 2 - 3 tonnes per hectare of dried leaves annually, giving 25 - 40 kilos of solid camphor. However, higher yields are possible through manuring[].
Hairy basil contains a number of different essential oils, each with their own distinctive taste and aroma[]. Three main forms, or chemo-types, of the plant are known - one has a floral-lemony aroma, one is camphoraceous and the other spicy[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked[]. Steamed and eaten as a side dish with rice[]. The leaves can also be used as a flavouring in salads, sauces, soups etc[].

The seeds, when soaked in water, swell into a gelatinous mass, called indring in Java[]. This can be mixed with coconut milk and sugar to form a sweet, cooling beverage[].

Medicinal

The leaves are made into a paste that is used in the treatment of skin diseases, it is also applied to wounds and burns that are not healing well[, ].

Other Uses

An essential oil can be extracted from the plant[]. It is used in soap and cosmetics[]. The oil contains citral, camphor, and methyl-cinnamate[].

Propagation

Seed - an be sown in situ. It usually germinates within 7 - 14 days[].

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