Very closely related to the previous species, but generally larger in all parts and less woody: leaves up to 5 x 2 cm, inflorescence often condensed and purplish, fruiting calyces 5-75 mm long, corolla white, purplish or violet, 7-9 mm long, and with nutlets 2 x 1.3 mm.

Fl. Per.: throughout the year.

Type: Described from "India and Persia" (LINN 749/5 - microfiche!).

Distribution: Subtropical and tropical Asia, Africa, SE Asia.

Widely cultivated. All the specimens cited above were either cultivated plants or were collected near cultivation. An account of some of the cultivated basds is given by Darrah (l.c.) who, inter alia, points out that "there is a large complex of varieties that cannot be identified with certainty as either Ocimum basilicum or Ocimum sanctum". A detailed account of the uses, chemical contents and local varieties of Ocimum basilicum can be found in Wealth of India, Raw Materials 7: 81. 1966.