OCIMUM CANUM Meaning and
Definition
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Ocimum canum, commonly known as African basil or tea bush basil, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. This plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa, and it is highly valued for its medicinal, culinary, and aromatic properties.
African basil typically grows up to 1 meter in height, with erect, square stems that bear opposite leaves. The leaves are oval-shaped, slightly serrated, and possess a glossy, dark green color. They exude a pleasant, strong aroma when crushed. The plant also produces small, white or pale lavender flowers that are arranged in compact clusters.
In terms of culinary use, Ocimum canum leaves are often employed as a flavoring agent in African and Indian cuisines. They have a distinct, slightly peppery taste, and their aroma adds a unique complexity to dishes. In traditional medicine, the leaves, stems, and roots of African basil have been used to treat various ailments such as fevers, respiratory infections, digestive disorders, and skin problems. The essential oil obtained from this plant has shown antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antifungal properties.
Due to its numerous beneficial properties and cultural significance, Ocimum canum is cultivated both in its native regions and in other tropical areas. It grows best in well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade conditions, making it adaptable to a range of climates. Consequently, it has become a popular garden plant and a staple ingredient in regional cuisines.
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A species the juice and leaves of which are employed in catarrhal troubles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OCIMUM CANUM
- icimum canum
- kcimum canum
- lcimum canum
- pcimum canum
- 0cimum canum
- 9cimum canum
- oximum canum
- ovimum canum
- ofimum canum
- odimum canum
- ocumum canum
- ocjmum canum
- ockmum canum
- ocomum canum
- oc9mum canum
- oc8mum canum
- ocinum canum
- ocikum canum
- ocijum canum
- ocimym canum
Etymology of OCIMUM CANUM
The word "Ocimum canum" is a scientific name for a plant species commonly known as "hoary basil" or "Indian basil" in English. The etymology of this name can be broken down as follows:
1. Ocimum: The genus name "Ocimum" is derived from the Greek word "okimon" or "oksos", which means "aromatic herb". The word is also associated with "osme", meaning "smell" or "fragrance". This relates to the strong aromatic properties of the plants within the Ocimum genus, including Ocimum canum.
2. canum: The species name "canum" comes from the Latin word "canus", which translates to "gray" or "hoary". This refers to the hoary or grayish appearance of the leaves of Ocimum canum.
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