Beautiful Basil
SLF 0000Common Classification Common Names African Blue Basil, Opal Basil Sinhala Name Rath Tala, Ratu Tala, Scientific Classification Family Lamiaceae Genus Ocimum Scientific Name Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum Synonym Ocimum basilicum x purpurea Ecology Category Ornamental Growth Habit Small-Shrub Duration Perennial Origin Introduced Status Cultivate Property Culinary / Edible No Use as Herb No Other Use No Poisoned / Toxin No
inflorescence of Ratu Tala - African Blue Basil
African Blue Basil plant commonly called in English as 'Blue Basil' is a hybrid verities of Ocimum kilimandscharicum, which is native plant to Africa. Other version of Hybrid Basil is Ocimum basilicum var. purpureum which is called "Dark Opal Basil". It is now naturalized on home gardens in Sri Lanka as a ornamental plant. Young plants are closely related to Ocimum tenuiflorum which is introduced plant from India, called 'Sacred Basil' or 'Tulsi'. Therefore, African Blue Basil is misuse as Tulsi plant and often cultivate on home gardens.
