LeafbaseThe modern encyclopedia for plants and trees
African Basil
आज का पौधा

Ocimum gratissimum

African BasilShrub

Ocimum gratissimum, also known as clove basil, African basil, and in Hawaii as wild basil, is a species of basil. It is native to Africa, Madagascar, southern Asia, and the Bismarck Archipelago, and naturalized in Polynesia, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama, West Indies, Brazil, and Bolivia.

FamilyLamiaceae
GenusOcimum
NativeCentral Africa
LifespanPerennial; typically 3–7 years under tropical field conditions

Propagation Guide

Propagate Hibiscus easily and grow new plants from cuttings.

Best time to propagate is spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Choose a Propagation Method

Stem Cuttings

Best

Most common and successful method.

Air Layering

Reliable

Great for woody branches.

Seeds

Slow

Less common and may not produce identical plants.

Stem Cuttings Step-by-Step

Take cutting

1

Select a healthy semi-woody stem.

Prepare cutting

2

Remove lower leaves and trim below a node.

Apply hormone

3

Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.

Plant cutting

4

Place in a well-draining potting mix.

Provide humidity

5

Cover loosely with a plastic bag.

Roots develop

6

Roots form in 4-6 weeks.

TipObserve your plant regularly and adjust care according to your local climate and conditions.