DescriptionHoly Basil, Ocimum gratissimum syn; Ocimum sanctum, the ceremonial herb of Indian spiritual tradition. Not to be confused with Tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum, the medicinal herb of Ayurveda. – See the separate listing for Tulsi. Both plants are called Tulsi, and both are also called Holy (or Sacred) Basil. We have separated the names and allocated a species to avoid confusion. Holy Basil is redolent with the oil of eugenol, which is the clove smell associated with all plants known as Holy Basil or Tulsi. Holy Basil is also known as Rama Tulsi. Holy Basil is a ceremonial plant of the Indian spiritual tradition. It is tough and robust and grows as a perennial so long as it experiences only light frosts. Native to India and the northern and eastern parts of Africa. It prefers a protected sunny position with good soil moisture. In the right conditions, it can grow to 3m x 2m. Suitable for growing in a container.
