Lemon basil

Lemon basil, hoary basil, Thai lemon basil, or Lao basil, (Ocimum × africanum) is a hybrid between basil (Ocimum basilicum) and American basil (Ocimum americanum). The herb is grown primarily in northeastern Africa and southern Asia for its fragrant lemon scent, and is used in cooking.

Not to be confused with Mrs. Burns' Lemon basil, a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum.

Lemon basil
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Species:
O. × africanum
Binomial name
Ocimum × africanum
Synonyms
  • Ocimum americanum var. pilosum (Willd.) A.J.Paton
  • Ocimum basilicum var. anisatum Benth.
  • Ocimum basilicum var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth.
  • Ocimum citriodorum Vis.
  • Ocimum graveolens A.Br.
  • Ocimum petitianum A.Rich.
  • Ocimum pilosum Willd.

Lemon basil stems can grow to 20–40 cm (8–20 in) tall. It has white flowers in late summer to early fall. The leaves are similar to basil leaves, but tend to be narrower with slightly serrated edges. Seeds form on the plant after flowering and dry on the plant.

Lemon basil is a popular herb in Arabic, Indonesian, Filipino, Lao, Malay, Persian and Thai cuisine.

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