Albagaca, Amazon basil
Ocimum campechianum

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 1 m high. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are 2-12 cm long by 1-8 cm wide. The flower groups are 4-7 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 900 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Argentina, Brazil, Central America, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, South America (country/location of origin), Suriname, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The leaves and stems are used to season food. The leaves are boiled and used to make a hot drink.

Leaves are sold in local markets. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aapar, Abongona numen'ba, Albaca, Albahaca, Chira rau, Fiban te'pun

Synonyms

Ocimum guatemalense Gand.; Ocimum micranthum Willd.; Ocimum montanum Hook.;