PlantFiles: Holy Basil, Thai Holy Basil
Ocimum sanctum

Very nice culinary herb. Easy to grow. Often used in the same dishes as Thai sweet basil for a little different flavor.
I grow it in large pots outdoors right to my Thai sweet basil.

Holy Basil Ocimum sanctum is indigenous to India and southern Asia. It is used in Thailand for culinary purposes. It is believed to be an incarnation of Tulsi the wife of Vishnu (one of three high gods in Hinduism) and is a symbol of fidelity. It can be found in two different leaf colors: green and purple. It is a somewhat small and compact plant ranging from 12-30" tall and wide. It is grown as a perennial plant in its native tropical environment but can also be grown as an annual in cooler regions. The leaves are simple and opposite in arrangement. They alternate directions at each node of the stem. The leaf is ovate with pinnate venation and has undulating crenate margins. The apex of the leaf is obtuse and the base is rounded. The surface of the leaf is mostly glabrous while the underside is pubescent. The stem is also pubescent and has four distinct yet rounded sides and are green or purple depending on the color of the plant. The bilabiate flowers are lavender or white, perfect and are borne on a raceme. They bloom continuously in their native tropical environment. The root system is fibrous but not very aggressive. Often times Spice Basil Ocimum canum x basilicum is mistakenly labeled as holy basil. The third picture on this page is Spice Basil.

It is not as leafy or bushy as most basils, but is appreciated for its fragrance. The small leaves are about 1/2" long and the plant grows 1-1/2 to 2' high.Leaves are small and fuzzy with a sweet, clove-like fragrance. Violet or white flowers. Used in some religious ceremonies. Not highly suited for culinary uses. It can be grown in mixed flower borders or in a pot on a patio.