Back
Ocimum labiatum (N.E.Br.) A.J.Paton
| Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
| Synonyms: | Orthosiphon labiatus, Nautochilus labiatus |
| Common Name: | Shell Bush, Pink Sage |
Ocimum labiatum, commonly known as Shell Bush is a perennial shrub with pink-mauve sage-like flowers and heart-shaped leaves. This plant makes a wonderful display when mass planted on flower beds.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby |
| Maximum Height | 0.5 m to 2.5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Kwazulu-Natal, Mozambique, Northern Provinces, Swaziland |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A woody perennial shrub that grows up to 2.5 m tall and spreads up to 1.5 m. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are petiolate (10-20 mm long), leaf blade measuring 10-30 long x 8-20 mm wide, ovate-shaped, with crenate margin. The leaf apex is obtuse, base cuneate, truncate or cordate. Leaves are aromatic when crushed. |
| Stems | Quadrangular, erect and woody at the base, pubescent with short hairs. |
| Flowers | Inflorescence of pale purple to pink-mauve flowers. |
| Fruit | Nutlet, brown ovoid-shaped, smooth. The fruit produces small amount of mucilage when wet. |
| Habitat | Found growing on forest fringe at altitude 800 - 1500 m. |
| Cultivation | Plant flowers best under full sun. Cut back to one third of the plant regularly to induce branching and create bushy growth. |
| Etymology | The genus Ocimum is Theophrastus' name for an aromatic plant. The specific epithet labiatum means lipped, with reference to the lip-shaped flowers. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | Plant makes a great display when planted in mass on flower beds for its flower inflorescence. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant (Foliage) |
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting, Flowerbed / Border, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
| Thematic Landscaping | Butterfly Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Butterfly, Moth)) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Easy to Grow, Moist Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Crenate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Obtuse |
| Foliar Base | Cordate, Cuneate |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Woody |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple, Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Labiate / Lipped |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 34389 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8802 |
| 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. |
