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Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Ruffles'
| Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
| Common Name: | Purple Ruffles Basil |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial, Annual |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous shrub with dark purple wavy leaves. It can grow up to 60 cm tall and 30 cm in diameter. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are large oval-shaped, dark purple, ruffled, and has a tinge of clove and cinnamon scent and flavour. |
| Flowers | Flowers are pink, and arranged in clusters (called as spike). |
| Cultivation | Plant under full sun on well-drained soil. Basil generally grow as annuals, pinch the tip regularly near to the intersection of new leaves to encourage branching and new shoots. Avoid overwatering especially when plant is young. Pinch off flowers for continuing leaf production. |
| Etymology | The genus Ocimum is named after Theophrastus, for aromatic plant, with reference to the smell. The specific epithet basilicum means princely or royal, kingly-herb. Cultivar 'Purple Ruffles' refers to the dark purple wavy leaves. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves, Edible Flowers Food (Herb or Spice): Leaves are used as fresh garnish or added to salads for colour. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Fragrant (Foliage) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Flowerbed / Border, Container Planting |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Potential Problems | Armyworm, leaf miner, hoppers, flea beetles. |
| Diseases | Cercospora Leaf Spot: symptoms include circular to irregular dark spots on leaves, caused by high humidity and overhead watering. |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Purple |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Crinkled / Twisted |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Purple |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oval) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire - Wavy / Undulate, Serrate / Toothed |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32279 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6687 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
