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Wild Basil
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Posted by mallee South Australia (My Page) on Thu, Jun 8, 06 at 6:46
| Hi Folks, esp. those in Qld. I am looking for information on Wild Basil, Ocimum americanum. I have a query as to whether this plant is actually native to Aus or is naturalised. According to my research this native herb occurs mainly in drier areas of central, inland and coastal Queensland, from Blackall to Cloncurry, often around the fringes of 'Gidyea Forests'. (information from PIRSA and the ASGAP website.) I would like to try it as a native food.
Either way, if someone has access to some seed of this plant I would love to have a little to try. It apparently grows from cuttings or suckers as well. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Wild Basil
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| Nothing in plantnet, and the specific name 'americanum' is a little suspicious, no? But I don't actually know for sure. Maybe TonyFromOZ would. |
RE: Wild Basil
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| I believe it to be a Naturalised plant originating in the tropical Africa and Asia areas. I maybe wrong - Often am!! |
RE: Wild Basil
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- Posted by mallee South Australia (My Page) on
Fri, Jun 9, 06 at 3:35
| Thanks for the responses. The specific name of 'americanum' is what made me investigate further. A number of plants previously thought to be indigenous are being discovered to be naturalised. I may be able to get hold of it some day to put in the herb garden. Another common name is lime basil, so it sounds rather tasty. |
RE: Wild Basil
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There is a common herb near Rockhampton we call wild basil but I don't know the botanical name. Sounds like time to get a formal id. I'll be be down there in a couple of weeks, shall get a sample away.
Rose |
RE: Wild Basil
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- Posted by mallee South Australia (My Page) on
Sat, Jun 17, 06 at 3:08
| Thanks Rose qld I would be interested. I gather that the common names refer to the intensity of the oils in the leaves. Sometimes it is called lemon basil, others lime basil. I read that selections need to be made based on this perfume (I guess this is the flavour also.) I am convinced that it must be a naturalised species in Aus. |
RE: Wild Basil
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If it's "naturalised", is it a weed therefore something to be avoided?
Are there native plants which are good for use as culinary herbs?
Trish |
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