BASIL TO SPROUT

 There are many varieties of Ocimum basilicum, as well as several related species or species hybrids that are also called basil. The type used here and in Italian food is typically called sweet basil, as opposed to Thai basil (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora), lemon basil (O. × citriodorum) and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), which are used in Asia. While most common varieties of basil are treated as annuals, some are perennial in warm, tropical climates, including holy basil and a cultivar known as 'African Blue'.

Basil is originally native to Iran, India and other tropical regions of Asia, having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years

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