SWEET BASIL—Ocimum Basilicum. Family: Labiatae. 
Uses: Culinary herb of rich clove-like flavor that 
enhances tomatoes, salads and stews. 
DEscrIPTION: Basil is one of the most delightful 
herbs in all its diverse forms from the large Lettuce- 
leaf Basil, with wrinkled, glabrous leaves sometimes 
three inches broad, to the diminutive Bush Basil with 
leaves not more than one half inch in size. Sweet 
Basil is so popular with the Italians that they put a 
leaf in every can of tomatoes and tomato paste. There 
is an old saying that any youth who accepts a sprig 
of Basil from a maid will love her forever. The bright, green, oval 
leaves are dotted with tiny oil glands which release a spicy aroma when 
the plant is disturbed. The stiff candalabra-like flowering stems reach 
three feet and are studded with whorls of white blossoms in August 
and September. The conspicuous hairy calices are shaped like a medie- 
val head-dress. 

BUSH BASIL—Ocimum minimum, is a choice variety with miniature, 
light-green leaves and a good flavor. It forms a dainty little bush with 
dense clusters of small oval leaves that give the plant a well trimmed 
look. A fine edging plant as it rarely grows more than a foot in 
height and has a neat compact habit. 
PURPLE BUSH BASIL—Ocimum minimum pupureum, is a dwarf 
type of the Purple Basil not more than twelve inches tall. The leaves 
are as small as the Bush Basil but the shape is not as appealing. Blos- 
soms are pinkish, leaves and calices deep purple, scent not strong. 
HOLY BASIL—Ocimum sanctum, has dull serrated leaves and the 
whole plant is covered with glandular hairs. It 
reaches two feet in height and possesses a character- 
istic pungent odor which becomes very sweet when 
the plant is dry. The bees seem to gather only pollen 
from the pinkish blossoms, perhaps the scent is too 
carrion for their taste. In India this Basil is sacred 
to Vishnu and a pot of it is kept in every temple. 

6, 
