Camphor basil, Karpoor basil
Ocimum kilimandscharicum

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 2 m tall. The branches are 4 sided and hairy. The leaves are simple, opposite and oblong. They narrow to the base. There are teeth along the edge. The seeds are black and very small. They are 2 mm long and 1 mm wide.

The oil can be used to protect stored grain from insects.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs well drained soil. It suits areas with a rainfall or 1,250 mm per year. In India it grows up to 900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Cuba, East Africa, Himalayas, India, Kenya (country/location of origin), Northeastern India, Turkey, Türkiye, West Indies

How it is used for food

The leaves are occasionally use for tea. They are used to flavour rice, dahls and vegetables. The shoots are cooked with dried fish and alkali solution and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds or cuttings. The seeds are put in a nursery and then transplanted.

Its other names

Local names

Lopong, Lopong birik

Synonyms

Ocimum johnstonii Baker; Ocimum tortuosum Baker;