Ocimum × africanum Lour.


Family: LAMIACEAE
Sub-Family: Not available
English Name: Lemon Basil
Synonym: Ocimum x citriodorumVis.
Common Name: Hoary basil, Thai lemon basil, or Lao basil
Flowering & Fruiting Period: June - October
Distribution: North eastern Africa and Southern Asia
Habitat: Cultivated
Uses: The leaves have a pronounced lemon scent and are prized in Arabian, Indonesian, Laotian, Persian and Thai cuisines. Seeds can be soaked in water and are used in sweet desserts. The whole plant is very pleasantly aromatic, the aroma lasting for a long time after. The plant has been harvested. The plant is restorative, warming – mild sedative action, Treat bacterial infection and intestinal parasites.
Key Characteristics: Ocimum africanum is a hybrid between basil Ocimum basilicum and African basil Ocimum americanum. It is a tropical plant. The herb is grown primarily in north eastern Africa and southern Asia for its strong fragrant lemon scent, and is used in cooking. Lemon basil stems can grow 20 to 40 cm tall. The plant is a much branched strongly aromatic herb. It has white flowers in late summer to early fall. The leaves are similar to basil leaves, but seem to be narrow. Lemon basil is a popular herb in Arabia, Indonesia, Lao, Persia and Thai cuisine.