Ocimum basilicum var. minimum
Ocimum basilicum var. minimum, commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, is a revered medicinal herb in Ayurvedic tradition. Renowned for its potent adaptogenic properties, it helps the body manage stress, supports immune function, and offers antioxidant benefits. This aromatic plant serves as a vital cornerstone in holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum var. minimum
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, falling within the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Ocimum as the variety minimum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ocimum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several distinct oceanic and continental regions. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted around the Gulf of Guinea Islands. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, it is widely distributed across both India and Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the species can be found in the South-Central Pacific, specifically within the Tuamotu Archipelago. This wide dispersal illustrates the plant's ability to inhabit various tropical environments across the globe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| South-Central Pacific | Tuamotu | WCVP |