Holy

Ocimum africanum

Temperate Tulsi. Easiest of the sacred/holy basils to grow, hugely productive, and better adapted to cool weather climates than other basils. This powerfully aromatic bushy annual with purple flowers is an excellent pollen and nectar source for bees. Great in salads, desserts and for making pesto. The complex spicy flavour, makes a great relaxing tea. Has numerous medicinal benefits and in Ayurveda is used to treat stress, anxiety, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and dementia.

NB - This strain has been grown for nearly 40 years in North America under the assumption that it originated in Asia, which turns out to be incorrect. Was being traded as Holy Basil/Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and after recent genetic testing was identified as Ocimum africanum.