Lamiaceae FAMILY

Ocimum americanum

Edibility

3/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Ocimum americanum is an erect, perennial, aromatic plant usually growing 20 - 30cm tall with some specimens up to 100cm[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. , 418 Title Ecocrop Publication Author Website http://ecocrop.fao.org/ecocrop/srv/en/home Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available. ]. The plant is often grown as an annual, especially in cooler climates. The aromatic leaves are used as a flavouring in a range of foods, whilst a cooling drink can be made from the seeds. The plant is gathered from the wild and also often cultivated[ 418 Title Ecocrop Publication Author Website http://ecocrop.fao.org/ecocrop/srv/en/home Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeTropical Africa; E. Asia - China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea.

HabitatRoadsides, in fields, in teak forests, and in open waste places, preferring sunny, wind-sheltered spots[ 418 Title Ecocrop Publication Author Website http://ecocrop.fao.org/ecocrop/srv/en/home Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available. ]. It is found at elevations from sea level, usually to 500 metres but occasionally to 2,000 metres[ 418 Title Ecocrop Publication Author Website http://ecocrop.fao.org/ecocrop/srv/en/home Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available. ].