Ocimum basilicum - Flora of Qatar

Ocimum album, Ocimum anisatum, Ocimum barrelieri, Ocimum bullatum, Ocimum caryophyllatum, Ocimum chevalieri, Ocimum ciliare, Ocimum ciliatum, Ocimum citrodorum, Ocimum cochleatum, Ocimum dentatum, Ocimum hispidum, Ocimum integerrimum, Ocimum lanceolatum, Ocimum laxum, Ocimum majus, Ocimum medium, Ocimum minus, Ocimum nigrum, Ocimum odorum, Ocimum scabrum, Ocimum simile, Ocimum thyrsiflorum, Ocimum urticifolium, Plectranthus barrelieri

Common names

Extract from Wikipedia article

Basil, Thai basil, or sweet basil, is a common name for the culinary herb Ocimum basilicum (UK /ˈbæzəl/; US /ˈbeɪzəl/) of the family Lamiaceae (mints), sometimes known as Saint Joseph's Wort in some English-speaking countries.[+]

Basil is possibly native to India, and has been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years, It was thoroughly familiar to Greek authors Theophrastus and Dioscorides. It is a half-hardy annual plant, best known as a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in Southeast Asian cuisines of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos as well as the cuisine of Taiwan. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, often sweet smell.

There are many varieties of Ocimum basilicum, as well as several related species or species hybrids also called basil. The type used in Italian food is typically called sweet basil, as opposed to Thai basil (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora), lemon basil (O. X citriodorum) and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), which are used in Asia. While most common varieties of basil are treated as annuals, some are perennial in warm, tropical climates, including holy basil and a cultivar known as 'African Blue'.

AI-generated description

Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as sweet basil, is a fragrant, annual herb native to tropical regions. In Qatar, it thrives as an ornamental plant in gardens and indoor spaces due to its attractive foliage and fragrance. Local studies have shown that it can tolerate the country's hot and dry climate when provided with adequate irrigation and shade. Basil is often cultivated in Qatar for its culinary and medicinal uses, with some farms and home gardens successfully growing it using hydroponics and other soilless cultivation methods. Its popularity as an ornamental plant in Qatar stems from its ability to attract pollinators and add a touch of greenery to urban landscapes.

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Ocimum basilicum in Qatar revealed its presence in various locations. On April 14, 2015, sweet basil was found behind a gas station on Al Sham Street in West Bay, Doha. Later, on December 1, 2015, it was spotted in a park at Al Intisar Street near the corner with Onaiza, where a bush of sweet basil was also observed. The plant's growth and presence in these locations suggest its adaptability to Qatar's environment. The observations were made during different times of the year, indicating that sweet basil can thrive in Doha's climate during both spring and winter months. Overall, the sightings highlight the ability of Ocimum basilicum to grow and survive in urban areas of Qatar.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Ocimum basilicum L.

Synonyms