Family: Lamiaceae
Common name: African basil, Clove basil, Wild basil, East Indian basil, Tree basil, Lemon basil, Shrubby basil, Kaattu thulasi, African tea bush, Perumthulasi, Vana thulasi, Van thulasi
African Basil is a long-lasting shrubby tree that is very commonly grown for its aromatic leaves and medicinal properties. They are native to Africa as the name says, and also to some parts of Asia. These plants grow well in tropical, hot, humid weather and require very little maintenance.
Plant Characteristics
African Basil plants grow to a height of 2-3 meters with a well-branched, woody, brown stem. Stem is square in cross-section as with many other members of the Lamiaceae family like Tulsi and Basil. Young stems are green in color but grow brown, woody, and rough with age.
Leaves of African Basil are 4-6 cm long, elongated oval or elliptical in shape, and bright green in color. They are highly aromatic, more strongly scented than the Tulsi leaves. African basil plants are mostly grown for their leaves which have a variety of medicinal uses.
Surface of the leaf is slightly rough because of the essential oils contained in it, the margins have gentle serrations, and the aroma has hints of clove, cinnamon, Basil, and Tulsi.
The lower part of the plant is woody and does not have many leaves as the plant matures. But the upper half is quite bushy, filled with bright green leaves.
Flowers of African Basil are small, appearing in clusters at the end of the stems, in a whorled pattern. Flowers have the typical appearance of Lamiaceae flowers with small flower spikes and aromatic flowers arranged on either side.
This flowering structure is called a verticallister, arranged in simple, or branched clusters with white or light purple flowers that have 2 prominent lips, each flower about 4-6 mm in diameter.
Flowering happens during spring and summer, when the tree is surrounded by butterflies and bees that are attracted to the aromatic flowers.
Pollinated flowers turn into small, hard, rounded fruits called nutlets that are 2-3 cm in diameter. They are dark brown to black and are very commonly used for propagation.
Gardening Tips
African basil plants grow well in bright, direct sunlight and well-drained, loamy soil. Though these plants need good humidity and rainfall, they do not like water logging. Water regularly, especially during summer months.
Fertilize once in 2-3 months with a well-balanced combination of fertilizers. But they are not heavy feeders and can grow well even without extra fertilizers.
Pruning can be done to keep the plant bushy and well-rounded. African basil plants are relatively pest-resistant. However, any mealy bug or aphid infestation can be addressed with neem oil sprays or even by forcefully spraying water on the leaves, which is a very effective method.
These plants are very closely related to Ocimum basilicum or Basil and Ocimum Sanctum or Tulsi, all of them characterized by aromatic leaves that are used as herbs and also for medicinal purposes.
Uses of African Basil
African basil has a long history of being used in traditional herbal and Ayurvedic medicine in Asia and Africa.
Leaves of the plant contain essential oils that are helpful in the treatment of common ailments like cough, cold, fever, stomach disorders, constipation, chest infection, worms, cuts, wounds, inflammations, insect bites, and skin disorders.
Leaves are used as herbs in cooking and also used to make soothing herbal tea. African basil leaves are used for flavoring smoothies and other fruit-based drinks. They can even be stored for a few months after drying.
These plants are planted in gardens as insect and pest repellents because of their strong aroma. They are also said to have strong anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties.
Propagation of African Basil
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Dried seeds can be collected directly from the plant when they are deep brown or black, and sown in well-drained, moist soil to germinate in a few days.
Stem cuttings with nodes can be taken from healthy plants, and dipped in rooting hormone, before planting them in moist soil. These stem cuttings can even take root in water, after which they can be planted in the soil.
Photographed at: Kings Flora Organic Farm Resort, Wayanad
