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{{Taxobox

{{SPlantbox

| name = Basil

|familia=Lamiaceae

| image = Basil 1511.jpg

| image_width = 240px

| regnum = [[Plant]]ae

|common_name=Basil

| phylum = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]

|habit=herbaceous

| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]

| ordo = [[Lamiales]]

| familia = [[Lamiaceae]]

| genus = ''[[Ocimum]]''

|origin=Iran, India, Trop. Asia

| species = '''''O. basilicum'''''

|lifespan=perennial

| binomial = ''Ocimum basilicum''

|exposure=sun

| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]

|water=moist, moderate

|features=fragrance, edible

|Temp Metric=°F

|min_zone=1

|max_zone=11

|sunset_zones=all zones

|image=Basil 1511.jpg

|image_width=180

|image_caption=Basil

}}

}}

'''Basil''' (''Ocimum basilicum'') ({{IPAEng|ˈbæzəl}} or {{IPA|/ˈbeɪzəl/}}), of the [[Family (biology)|Family]] [[Lamiaceae]].  Basil is a tender low-growing [[herb]] that is grown as a [[Perennial plant|perennial]] in warm, tropical climates. Basil is originally native to [[Iran]], [[India]] and other tropical regions of [[Asia]], having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years. There are many varieties of basil, that which is used in Italian food is typically called '''sweet basil''', as opposed to [[Thai basil]] or [[holy basil]], which are used in Asia.  It is prominently featured in [[Italian cuisine]], and also plays a major role in the [[Southeast Asia]]n cuisines of [[Cuisine of Thailand|Thai]], [[Cuisine of Vietnam|Vietnamese]] and [[Cuisine of Laos|Laotian]]. It grows to between {{nowrap|30–130 cm}} tall, with opposite, light green, silky [[leaf|leaves]] {{nowrap|3–11 cm}} long and {{nowrap|1–6 cm}} broad. The flowers are quite big, white in color and arranged in a terminal [[raceme|spike]]. Unusual among [[Lamiaceae]], the four [[stamen]]s and the [[pistil]] are not pushed under the upper lip of the [[Corolla (flower)|corolla]], but lay over the inferior. After [[entomophily|entomophilous]] pollination, the corolla falls off and four round [[achene]]s develop inside the bilabiate [[calyx (botany)|calyx]]. The plant tastes somewhat like [[anise]], with a strong, pungent, sweet smell. Basil is very sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions. While most common varieties are treated as [[annual plant|annuals]], some are [[perennial plant|perennial]], including [[African Blue basil|African Blue]] and Holy Thai basil.  

'''Basil''' (''Ocimum basilicum'') is a tender low-growing [[herb]] that is grown as a [[Perennial plant|perennial]] in warm, tropical climates, and an annual elsewhere. Basil is originally native to [[Iran]], [[India]] and other tropical regions of [[Asia]], having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years. There are many varieties of basil, that which is used in Italian food is typically called '''sweet basil''', as opposed to [[Thai basil]] or [[holy basil]], which are used in Asia.  It grows to between 30–130 cm tall, with opposite, light green, silky [[leaf|leaves]] 3–11 cm long and 1–6 cm broad. The flowers are quite big, white in color and arranged in a terminal [[raceme|spike]]. Unusual among [[Lamiaceae]], the four [[stamen]]s and the [[pistil]] are not pushed under the upper lip of the [[Corolla (flower)|corolla]], but lay over the inferior. After [[entomophily|entomophilous]] pollination, the corolla falls off and four round [[achene]]s develop inside the bilabiate [[calyx]]. The plant tastes somewhat like [[anise]], with a strong, pungent, sweet smell. Basil is very sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions. While most common varieties are treated as [[annual plant|annuals]], some are [[perennial plant|perennial]], including [[African Blue basil|African Blue]] and Holy Thai basil.  

The word ''basil'' comes from the [[Greek language|Greek]] βασιλεύς (''[[basileus]]''), meaning "king", as it is believed to have grown above the spot where [[Constantine I|St. Constantine]] and [[Helena of Constantinople|Helen]] discovered the [[True Cross|Holy Cross]]. The ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]'' quotes speculations that basil may have been used in "some royal unguent, bath, or medicine". Basil is still considered the "king of herbs" by many cookery authors. An alternative etymology has "basil" coming from the [[Latin]] word ''basilicus'', meaning [[dragon]] and being the root for [[basilisk]], but this likely was a linguistic reworking of the word as brought from [[Greece]].

The word ''basil'' comes from the [[Greek language|Greek]] βασιλεύς (''[[basileus]]''), meaning "king".

==Cultivation==

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

== Cultivation ==

[[Image:Basil sprout.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Basil sprout at an early stage]]

[[Image:Basil sprout.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Basil sprout at an early stage]]

Basil thrives in hot weather, but behaves as an [[annual plant|annual]] if there is any chance of a frost. In Northern Europe, Canada, the northern states of the U.S., and the South Island of New Zealand it will grow best if sown under glass in a peat pot, then planted out in late spring/early summer (when there is little chance of a frost). It fares best in a well-drained sunny spot.

Basil thrives in hot weather, but behaves as an [[annual plant|annual]] if there is any chance of a frost. In Northern Europe, Canada, the northern states of the U.S., and the South Island of New Zealand it will grow best if sown under glass in a peat pot, then planted out in late spring/early summer (when there is little chance of a frost). It fares best in a well-drained sunny spot.

Once the plant is allowed to flower, it may produce seed pods containing small black seeds which can be saved and planted the following year. Picking the leaves off the plant helps "promote growth", largely because the plant responds by converting pairs of leaflets next to the topmost leaves into new stems.

Once the plant is allowed to flower, it may produce seed pods containing small black seeds which can be saved and planted the following year. Picking the leaves off the plant helps "promote growth", largely because the plant responds by converting pairs of leaflets next to the topmost leaves into new stems.

=== Diseases ===

===Propagation===

Basil suffers from several plant pathogens that can ruin the crop and reduce [[crop yield|yield]]. [[Fusarium wilt]] is a soil-borne fungal disease that will quickly kill younger basil plants. [[Seedling]]s may also be killed by [[Pythium]] [[damping off]].  

Basil suffers from several plant pathogens that can ruin the crop and reduce [[crop yield|yield]]. [[Fusarium wilt]] is a soil-borne fungal disease that will quickly kill younger basil plants. [[Seedling]]s may also be killed by [[Pythium]] [[damping off]].  

A common [[foliage|foliar]] disease of basil is [[gray mold]] caused by ''[[Botrytis cinerea]]'', can also cause infections post-harvest and is capable of killing the entire plant. [[Black Spot (disease)|Black spot]] can also be seen on basil foliage and is caused by the [[fungi]] [[genus]] ''[[Colletotrichum]]''.

A common [[foliage|foliar]] disease of basil is [[gray mold]] caused by ''[[Botrytis cinerea]]'', can also cause infections post-harvest and is capable of killing the entire plant. [[Black Spot (disease)|Black spot]] can also be seen on basil foliage and is caused by the [[fungi]] [[genus]] ''[[Colletotrichum]]''.

== Health effects==

==Varieties==

Recently, there has been much research into the health benefits conferred by the essential oils found in basil. Scientific studies have established that compounds in basil oil have potent [[antioxidant]] hence anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties.<ref name="pmid16506839">{{cite journal |author=Bozin B, Mimica-Dukic N, Simin N, Anackov G |title=Characterization of the volatile composition of essential oils of some lamiaceae spices and the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the entire oils |journal=J. Agric. Food Chem. |volume=54 |issue=5 |pages=1822–8 |year=2006 |month=March |pmid=16506839 |doi=10.1021/jf051922u |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid16173941">{{cite journal |author=Chiang LC, Ng LT, Cheng PW, Chiang W, Lin CC |title=Antiviral activities of extracts and selected pure constituents of Ocimum basilicum |journal=Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. Physiol. |volume=32 |issue=10 |pages=811–6 |year=2005 |month=October |pmid=16173941 |doi=10.1111/j.1440-1681.2005.04270.x |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid17342533">{{cite journal |author=de Almeida I, Alviano DS, Vieira DP, ''et al'' |title=Antigiardial activity of Ocimum basilicum essential oil |journal=Parasitol. Res. |volume=101 |issue=2 |pages=443–52 |year=2007 |month=July |pmid=17342533 |doi=10.1007/s00436-007-0502-2 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid15979235">{{cite journal |author=Manosroi J, Dhumtanom P, Manosroi A |title=Anti-proliferative activity of essential oil extracted from Thai medicinal plants on KB and P388 cell lines |journal=Cancer Lett. |volume=235 |issue=1 |pages=114–20 |year=2006 |month=April |pmid=15979235 |doi=10.1016/j.canlet.2005.04.021 |url=}}</ref> In addition, basil has been shown to decrease the occurrence of [[platelet]] aggregation and experimental [[thrombus]] in mice.<ref name="pmid16469363">{{cite journal |author=Tohti I, Tursun M, Umar A, Turdi S, Imin H, Moore N |title=Aqueous extracts of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) decrease platelet aggregation induced by ADP and thrombin in vitro and rats arterio--venous shunt thrombosis in vivo |journal=Thromb. Res. |volume=118 |issue=6 |pages=733–9 |year=2006 |pmid=16469363 |doi=10.1016/j.thromres.2005.12.011 |url=}}</ref> It is traditionally used for supplementary treatment of stress, [[asthma]] and [[Diabetes mellitus|diabetes]] in India.<ref name=bhhh>{{cite web

Several other basils, including some other ''Ocimum'' species, are grown in many regions of [[Asia]]. Most of the Asian basils have a clove-like flavour that is generally stronger than the Mediterranean basils. The most notable is the '''holy basil''' or [[tulsi]] ([[Tamil Language|Tamil]]: கி௫ஷ்ண துளசி), a revered home-grown plant in [[India]]. In [[China]], the local cultivar is called ({{zh-t|t=九層塔}}) (''jiǔ-céng-tǎ''; literally "nine-level [[pagoda]]"), while the imported varieties are specifically called ({{zh-t|t=羅勒)}} (''luó-lè'') or ({{zh-t|t=巴西里}}) (''bā-xī-lǐ''), although [巴西里] often refers to another different kind plant--[[parsley]].

Basil, like other aromatic plants such as [[fennel]] and [[tarragon]], contains [[estragole]], a known [[carcinogen]] and [[Teratogenesis|teratogen]] in rats and mice. While human effects are currently unstudied, the rodent experiments indicate that it would take 100–1000 times the normal anticipated exposure to become a cancer risk.<ref>

[[Lemon basil]] has a strong lemony smell and flavour very different from those of other varieties because it contains a chemical called [[citral]]. It is widely used in Indonesia, where it is called ''kemangi'' and served raw, together with raw cabbage, green beans, and cucumber, as an accompaniment to fried fish or duck. Its flowers, broken up, are a zesty salad condiment.

|quote=In particular, rodent studies show that these events are minimal probably in the dose range of {{nowrap|1-10 mg/kg}} body weight, which is approximately 100-1000 times the anticipated human exposure to this substance

 

There are many rituals and beliefs associated with basil. The French call basil "''l'herbe royale''". Jewish folklore suggests it adds strength while fasting. It is a symbol of love in present-day [[Italy]], but represented hatred in ancient [[Greece]], and European lore sometimes claims that basil is a symbol of [[Satan]]. African legend claims that basil protects against [[scorpion]]s, while the English botanist [[Nicholas Culpeper|Culpeper]] cites one "Hilarius, a French physician" as affirming it as common knowledge that smelling basil too much would breed scorpions in the brain.

 

[[Tulsi|Holy Basil]], also called '[[Tulsi]]', is highly revered in [[Hinduism]] and also has religious significance in the [[Greek Orthodox Church]], where it is used to prepare holy water. It is said to have been found around Christ's tomb after his resurrection. The [[Serbian Orthodox Church]], [[Macedonian Orthodox Church]] and [[Romanian Orthodox Church]] use basil ([[Macedonian language|Macedonian]]: ''босилек''; [[Romanian language|Romanian]]: ''busuioc'', [[Serbian language|Serbian]]: ''босиљак'') to prepare holy water and pots of basil are often placed below church altars.

In Europe, they place basil in the hands of the dead to ensure a safe journey. In India, they place it in the mouth of the dying to ensure they reach God. The ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks believed that it would open the gates of heaven for a person passing on.

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In [[Giovanni Boccaccio|Boccaccio]]'s ''[[Decameron]]'' a memorably morbid tale (novella V) tells of Lisabetta, whose brothers slay her lover. He appears to her in a dream and shows her where he is buried. She secretly disinters the head, and sets it in a pot of basil, which she waters with her daily tears. The pot being taken from her by her brothers, she dies of her grief not long after. Boccaccio's tale is the source of [[John Keats]]' poem ''[[Isabella or The Pot of Basil]]'' - which in turn inspired the paintings [[Isabella (Millais painting)]] and [[Isabella and the Pot of Basil]]. A similar story is told of the [[Longobards|Longobard]] queen [[Rosalind]].

Image:Basil leaves.jpg|Fresh basil leaves.

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== References ==

==References==

* [http://www.apsnet.org/pd/PDFS/1997/1120-05F.PDF Diseases of Basil and Their Management]

*[[Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture]], by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963

<!--- xxxxx  *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432  -->

<!--- xxxxx  *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608  -->

===Footnotes===

==External links==

{{reflist|2}}

*{{wplink}}

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{{commons|Ocimum basilicum|Basil}}