Basil
Thai basil
Thai basil: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
Thai basil, also called horapha, is a type of Ocimum basilicum belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its identity is closely associated with the anise aroma of its leaves, often accompanied by a note reminiscent of liquorice. It belongs to the same species as many basils used in Mediterranean cooking, but has a different aromatic profile. Thai basil is distinct from holy basil or tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum, whose flavour and customary uses are not identical. These names refer to different culinary ingredients rather than interchangeable labels.The plant forms a small, branching herbaceous bush. Its opposite leaves are usually green, glossy, elongated and pointed, with slightly toothed edges. The stems often show purple colouring, which may also appear in the leaf veins. Upright flower spikes bear small pink to purplish flowers. The contrast between green foliage and purple parts gives the plant ornamental appeal alongside its value as a herb. These…
