Scent leaf (African basil) Ocimum gratissimum
Scent leaf (African basil) (Ocimum gratissimum) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Tropical Africa and South Asia. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 8 °C (46 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Scent leaf (African basil) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 8 °C (46 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–17 weeks after planting, for 13–29 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (soups and pepper soup) |
| Native to | Tropical Africa and South Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇮🇳 India, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Scent leaf (African basil) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Scent leaf (African basil)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Scent leaf (African basil)
- How far apart should I plant Scent leaf (African basil)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Scent leaf (African basil) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Scent leaf (African basil) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Scent leaf (African basil)?
- It tolerates about 8 °C (46 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Scent leaf (African basil) flower?
- About 11–17 weeks after planting, for 13–29 weeks.
- Is Scent leaf (African basil) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Scent leaf (African basil)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Scent leaf (African basil). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- A woody clove-scented basil (also called clove basil or tea bush) kept by kitchen doors across West Africa.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare