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Ocimum × africanum Lour. 'Pesto Perpetuo'
| Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
| Synonyms: | Ocimum × citriodorum 'Pesto Perpetuo' |
| Common Name: | Variegated Basil |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Columnar |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Annual herb with a columnar growth form. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Elliptic leaves are light green with a creamy white, toothed margin. The flavour is basil with a slight lemony taste. |
| Flowers | This cultivar does not flower. |
| Fruit | This cultivar does not produce fruit. |
| Taxonomy | Ocimum × africanum is a hybrid formed by crossing Ocimum americanum with Ocimum basilicum. This cultivar originated as a sport (or mutated plantlet) from the cultivar Ocimum × africanum 'Lesbos' and was discovered by Pierre Bennerup (Sunny Border Nurseries). |
| Cultivation | This cultivar grows best in well-drained soil that is kept moist. While it can live longer than a year, growing it as an annual helps to maintain its flavour and form. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves Food (Herb or Spice): The leaves add a basil and lemon flavour to salads and other dishes. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden, Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting (Tip, Herbaceous) |
| Propagation Method Remarks | This cultivar doesn't flower or set seed. It can only be propagated by stem cuttings. |
| Seed / Spore Germination Duration | 7 months to 14 months |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Green - Light Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Raised / Sunken Veins |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate, Elliptical) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
| Typical Foliar Area | Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 ) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 33695 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8109 |
| 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. |
