66 Species of Genus Ocimum

The Wonderful World of Ocimum: A Personal Exploration

The scent of basil always takes me back to my childhood. My grandmother grew it in her garden, its fragrant leaves a staple in many of her delicious Vietnamese dishes. It wasn’t until much later that I learned the common name “basil” actually encompasses a whole genus of plants known as Ocimum. This fascinating genus, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), has captivated me ever since, and I’d like to share some of what I’ve learned about these remarkable herbs.

A Diverse and Global Family

Ocimum is a diverse genus, with over 60 recognized species. These aromatic plants are native to tropical and warm temperate regions across the globe, with the highest concentration of species found in Africa. While they vary in appearance, most Ocimum species share some common characteristics: square stems, opposite leaves, and flowers clustered in spikes. What truly sets them apart, however, is their incredible array of scents and flavors.

More Than Just Basil

While the culinary basil (Ocimum basilicum) is undoubtedly the most famous member of the genus, there’s a whole world of Ocimum species waiting to be discovered. Here are:

1. Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum): Revered in Hinduism, this sacred plant is known for its clove-like aroma and medicinal properties. It’s often used in Ayurvedic medicine and is believed to have calming and restorative effects.
2. Camphor Basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum): This African native has a strong camphor-like aroma and is traditionally used to repel insects. It’s also being explored for its potential use in aromatherapy and as a source of essential oils.
3. Ocimum × africanum Lour.
4. Ocimum albostellatum (Verdc.) A.J.Paton
5. Ocimum americanum L.
6. Ocimum amicorum A.J.Paton
7. Ocimum angustifolium Benth.
8. Ocimum basilicum L.
9. Ocimum burchellianum Benth.
10. Ocimum campechianum Mill.
11. Ocimum canescens A.J.Paton
12. Ocimum carnosum (Spreng.) Link & Otto ex Benth.
13. Ocimum caryophyllinum F.Muell.
14. Ocimum centraliafricanum R.E.Fr.
15. Ocimum circinatum A.J.Paton
16. Ocimum coddii (S.D.Williams & K.Balkwill) A.J.Paton
17. Ocimum cufodontii (Lanza) A.J.Paton
18. Ocimum dambicola A.J.Paton
19. Ocimum decumbens Gürke
20. Ocimum dhofarense (Sebald) A.J.Paton
21. Ocimum dolomiticola A.J.Paton
22. Ocimum ellenbeckii Gürke
23. Ocimum empetroides (P.A.Duvign.) ined.
24. Ocimum ericoides (P.A.Duvign. & Plancke) A.J.Paton
25. Ocimum filamentosum Forssk.
26. Ocimum fimbriatum Briq.
27. Ocimum fischeri Gürke
28. Ocimum formosum Gürke
29. Ocimum forskoelei Benth.
30. Ocimum fruticosum (Ryding) A.J.Paton
31. Ocimum grandiflorum Lam.
32. Ocimum gratissimum L.
33. Ocimum hirsutissimum (P.A.Duvign.) A.J.Paton
34. Ocimum irvinei J.K.Morton
35. Ocimum jamesii Sebald
36. Ocimum kenyense Ayob. ex A.J.Paton
37. Ocimum labiatum (N.E.Br.) A.J.Paton
38. Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex Benth.
39. Ocimum masaiense Ayob. ex A.J.Paton
40. Ocimum mearnsii (Ayob. ex Sebald) A.J.Paton
41. Ocimum metallorum (P.A.Duvign.) A.J.Paton
42. Ocimum minutiflorum (Sebald) A.J.Paton
43. Ocimum mitwabense (Ayob.) A.J.Paton
44. Ocimum monocotyloides (Plancke ex Ayob.) A.J.Paton
45. Ocimum motjaneanum McCallum & K.Balkwill
46. Ocimum natalense Ayob. ex A.J.Paton
47. Ocimum nudicaule Benth.
48. Ocimum nummularia (S.Moore) A.J.Paton
49. Ocimum obovatum E.Mey. ex Benth.
50. Ocimum ovatum Benth.
51. Ocimum pseudoserratum (M.R.Ashby) A.J.Paton
52. Ocimum pyramidatum (A.J.Paton) A.J.Paton
53. Ocimum reclinatum (S.D.Williams & K.Balkwill) A.J.Paton
54. Ocimum sebrabergensis Swanepoel & van Jaarsv.
55. Ocimum serpyllifolium Forssk.
56. Ocimum serratum (Schltr.) A.J.Paton
57. Ocimum spectabile (Gürke) A.J.Paton
58. Ocimum spicatum Deflers
59. Ocimum transamazonicum C.Pereira
60. Ocimum tubiforme (R.D.Good) A.J.Paton
61. Ocimum urundense Robyns & Lebrun
62. Ocimum vandenbrandei (P.A.Duvign. & Plancke ex Ayob.) A.J.Paton
63. Ocimum vanderystii (De Wild.) A.W.Hill
64. Ocimum verticillifolium Baker
65. Ocimum viphyense A.J.Paton
66. Ocimum waterbergense (S.D.Williams & K.Balkwill) A.J.Paton

Beyond the Kitchen

While Ocimum species are primarily known for their culinary applications, their uses extend far beyond the kitchen. Many species have a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and other systems of natural healing. They are believed to possess various therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.

Ocimum plants also play a vital role in ecological systems. Their flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity. Some species, like camphor basil, are even used in companion planting to deter pests and protect other crops.

A Personal Connection

My fascination with Ocimum goes beyond its culinary and medicinal value. For me, these plants represent a connection to my heritage and a reminder of the intricate relationship between humans and nature. The diversity within this single genus highlights the incredible variety and adaptability of the plant kingdom.

Exploring the world of Ocimum has been a journey of discovery, and I encourage everyone to take the time to appreciate the beauty and complexity of these remarkable plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a culinary enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys the fragrance of basil, there’s something in the Ocimum genus for everyone.