Ocimum tenuiflorum L.
Common Name: Holy Basil
Family: Lamiaceae
Vernacular Names: Kalatulsi – Hindi., Nallathulasi – Tamil., Thulasi – Malayalam., Tulsi- Sanskrit
Synonyms: Ocimum hirsutum Benth., Ocimum sanctum L., Ocimum monachorum L.
Plant Description: O. tenuiflorum is an erect many branched subshrub 30 – 60 cm tall with hairy stems. Leaves are green or purple, simple, petiolated with an ovate blade upto 5 cm long with slightly toothed margin. Purple flowers are placed in close whorls on elongated racemes.
Distribution and Habitat: This plant is found in many tropical regions of the world grown as an aromatic perennial shrub in agricultural settings, home gardens and around temples.
Uses:
Culinary: Leaves of holy basil are commonly used in Thai cuisine for certain stir-fries and curries.
Insect repellent: Dried leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
Disinfection: Extracts of this plant used in water disinfection.
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