Ocimum Gratissimum – African Basil / Clove Basil Plant

Add a useful and aromatic herb to your garden with Ocimum gratissimum, commonly known as African Basil, Clove Basil, or Scent Leaf. This vigorous perennial herb is valued for its strongly scented leaves, upright growth, culinary uses, and suitability for warm tropical conditions.

As shown in the image, the plant develops an upright branching form with green aromatic leaves and tall flower spikes, making it suitable for herb gardens, kitchen gardens, home compounds, and edible landscapes.

Product Description

Ocimum gratissimum is an aromatic herb in the basil family and is widely grown in tropical regions. Unlike the smaller common sweet basil, this species can develop into a larger, more shrub-like plant when given enough space and regular care.

Its leaves have a strong fragrance that is often described as clove-like or spicy. The fresh leaves can be used as a culinary herb in selected traditional dishes, soups, stews, sauces, and herbal preparations.

The plant grows well in warm climates and performs best in a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. It can be grown directly in the ground or maintained in a large container.

When mature, Ocimum gratissimum produces long flower spikes that can also attract bees and other pollinating insects to the garden.