About Ocimum tenuiflorum L.
Holy basil, scientifically named Ocimum tenuiflorum L., is an erect, many-branched subshrub that grows 30โ60 cm (12โ24 in) tall, with hairy stems. Its leaves are either green or purple, are simple and petioled, and carry an ovate blade that reaches up to 5 cm (2 in) long. Leaves usually have a slightly toothed margin, are strongly scented, and arranged in a decussate phyllotaxy. Purplish flowers grow in close whorls on elongated racemes. Three main morphotypes of this plant are cultivated in India and Nepal: Ram tulsi, the most common type with broad bright green leaves that are slightly sweet; the less common Krishna or Shyama tulsi, which has purplish green leaves; and the common wild vana tulsi, for example the type classified as Ocimum gratissimum.
