What is the native range of Ocimum basilicum?
The plant known as Ocimum basilicum grows natively from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes mints.
The plant known as Ocimum basilicum grows natively from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes mints.
Downy mildew caused by Peronospora belbahrii first appeared in Italy in 2003. By 2008, the pathogen had spread along the eastern United States reaching Canada.
Red light specifically increases volatiles in Ocimum basilicum essential oil. This effect has not been reproducible in other plants and may be unique to this genus.
Mediterranean cuisine relies heavily on Genovese basil as a primary ingredient in pesto sauce. Chefs add fresh leaves last in recipes because cooking quickly destroys the flavor.
Giovanni Boccaccio wrote a story about a pot of basil in his 14th century Decameron. The fifth story of the narrative's fourth day features this object as a central plot device.