Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 30 cm to 45 cm |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | The dark green, shiny leaves often have purple veins. |
|---|---|
| Stems | The purple stem is square in cross-section. |
| Cultivation | Thai Basil grows best in a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil that is allowed to dry slightly before re-watering. Avoid getting the leaves wet when you water. Apply fish emulsion or seaweed solution about once a month. Thai Basil can also be grown indoors near a sunny window if it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves Food (Herb or Spice): Thai Basil is a popular herb for use in Thai, Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian cuisines. The leaves are often stir-fried with meat or added to Vietnamese beef soup (known as 'pho'). |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden, Economic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32287 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6695 |
| 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. |
