How to identify Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Sweet basil, also known as Saint-joseph's-wort, Common basil
Sweet basil features a bushy growth habit with a maximum height of around 2 feet (60 cm) and a similar spread. Its leaves are smooth, glossy, and rich green, with a strong aroma when bruised. The foliage is oval-shaped with slightly serrated edges and arranged oppositely on square stems. Small, tubular white or pale pink flowers cluster in a raceme inflorescence at the tips of the branches during the flowering season.
Oppositely arranged oval leaves with serrated edges, emitting a strong aroma when bruised.
Small white or pale pink tubular flowers in raceme inflorescence, blooming in late summer.
Distinctive lipped white flowers with lower lip larger than upper, forming whorled raceme structure.
Fruit classified as nutlet, less than 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in length, dry texture.
Thin, square-stemmed plant with bushy growth habit, typically reaching 2 feet (60 cm) in height.
The leaves of sweet basil are bright green, simple, and oppositely arranged at right angles to each other. They are ovate in shape with smooth margins and slight bulging between the veins. Each leaf measures between 1/2 and 3 inches (1.3 to 7.6 cm) in length. The leaves are also notably fragrant. Ornamental varieties may exhibit purple or variegated hues, adding to their aesthetic appeal.
The flowers of sweet basil are small, measuring about 0.4 inches (1 cm) in length. They are white in color and have a distinctive lipped shape, with the lower lip being slightly larger than the upper. The white stamens extend just beyond the lower lip. These flowers are arranged in terminal inflorescences, forming a whorled raceme structure. Some ornamental varieties can have striking purple flower spikes. The plant typically blooms in late summer, providing a delicate yet noticeable floral display.
The stem of sweet basil is thin, typically hollow, and has a characteristic square-shaped cross-section. It is herbaceous and aromatic, usually hairless but may sometimes be slightly hairy. The stem's thickness is around 0.1 inches (2.5 mm). It exhibits a branching tendency, forming multiple offshoots that contribute to a bushy growth habit. The green stem is often smooth to the touch, making it easy to identify among aromatics.
The fruit of sweet basil is a diminutive structure classified as a nutlet. Predominantly, each fruit measures less than a quarter inch (0.6 cm) in length. Upon reaching maturity, these nutlets showcase a dry and robust texture. Nutlets are typically brown, with a variance ranging from pale tan to darker shades. They are nestled within the calyx, which originally encapsulates the flower, and they remain attached to the spike after the flowering phase has concluded. Each nutlet harbors a singular seed, embodying the potential for growth into a new plant.
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Scientific Classification of Sweet basil