General Appearance
Ocimum hians Benth. var. glabrius (Benth.) Cufod. is a herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae family native to East Africa and Yemen. It grows up to 1 meter in height and has square stems that are smooth and hairless. The leaves are green and glossy, with a slightly toothed margin and grow up to 15 cm in length. The plant produces small white or pale pink flowers in clusters on the stems in late summer and early autumn.
Common Names
Ocimum hians Benth. var. glabrius (Benth.) Cufod. is commonly known as African basil, East African basil, and West Indian basil.
Uses
The plant is mostly used for culinary purposes due to its flavorful leaves. It has a sweet, anise-like aroma and adds a unique taste to dishes. African basil is often used in traditional Ethiopian cuisine and is commonly used to flavor stews, soups, and rice dishes. In Eastern Africa, it is mixed with coconut milk and used as a sauce for vegetables, fish, and meat. Medicinally, the plant is used to treat digestive disorders and respiratory infections. The leaves are crushed and boiled to make a tea that can be used to treat colds and coughs.
Light Requirements
Ocimum hians Benth. var. glabrius (Benth.) Cufod. thrives in areas with full sunlight exposure. It can still survive in areas with partial shades but may not reach its maximum potential as compared to plants grown under full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Ocimum hians Benth. var. glabrius (Benth.) Cufod. is between 20°C to 30°C. However, it can still grow in areas with temperatures above or below this range, although not as effectively.
Soil Requirements
Ocimum hians Benth. var. glabrius (Benth.) Cufod. grows well in well-drained soils with good water holding capacity. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy growth.
Cultivation
Ocimum hians Benth. var. glabrius (Benth.) Cufod., commonly known as the African basil, requires a warm and sunny environment to flourish. This plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The ideal soil for cultivation should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Watering Needs
African basil requires frequent watering, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. It is recommended to water the plant deeply at least twice a week. Avoid overwatering the plant as this may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and enhance the flavor of the leaves of the African basil, regular fertilization is required. Use an all-purpose fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the African basil. Regularly pinch off the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth. Additionally, removing any yellowing or dead leaves will also help prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Ocimum hians Benth. var. glabrius (Benth.) Cufod.
Ocimum hians Benth. var. glabrius (Benth.) Cufod. is commonly known as the African basil or the dark green basil. It is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 30-60cm tall. This plant is mostly found in East Africa and Southern Africa. The propagation of Ocimum hians can be done by using various methods such as:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Ocimum hians is by using seeds. The seeds of this plant can be collected from the mature plant during the fruiting season. The collected seeds need to be dried and cleaned before sowing. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, cover them lightly with soil and keep it moist. It takes about 10-15 days for the seeds to germinate. Transplant the seedlings to a bigger pot once they grow to a few inches tall.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another way to propagate Ocimum hians. Take a healthy stem cutting from the plant, about 6 inches long, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a potting mix that has good drainage. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in indirect sunlight. Roots will start to develop in about 2-3 weeks, and the cutting will grow into a new plant.
Division Propagation
The division method can be used to propagate mature Ocimum hians plants that have multiple stems and roots. Carefully remove the plant from the soil and separate the stems and roots. Plant each stem and root in a separate pot, filled with well-draining potting mix. Water the newly divided plants and place them in indirect sunlight. The plants will start growing in a few days.
Propagation of Ocimum hians Benth. var. glabrius (Benth.) Cufod. can be done by using different methods based on the availability of resources and the desired outcome. No matter what method of propagation is used, it is important to provide the newly propagated plants with proper care and attention until they are fully established.
Disease Management
Ocimum hians Benth. var. glabrius (Benth.) Cufod. may suffer from various fungal and bacterial diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, downy mildew, Fusarium wilt, and bacterial leaf blight. These diseases cause significant damage to the plant by causing leaf drop, stem cankers, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
The best way to manage these diseases is through preventive measures like planting disease-free seeds, maintaining good soil hygiene, and keeping the plant well irrigated. Also, it is advisable to use organic fertilizers and pesticides, which help in building the plant's natural resistance against diseases. Chemical pesticides can be used but need to be used in a judicious manner to avoid contaminating the soil and water.
Pest Management
Several insect pests can cause significant economic damage to Ocimum hians. Some common pests that affect this plant include the aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and thrips. These pests feed on the plant's sap and cause leaf wilting, yellowing, and curling. They also act as vectors for various viral diseases that can affect the plant's growth and yield.
The best way to control pests is through integrated pest management practices. These practices include using physical barriers like nets or screens to prevent pest infestations, using trap crops that attract pests away from the actual crop and using biopesticides derived from organic materials. Chemical pesticides can be used as a last resort but need to be used strictly as per the recommended dosage and frequency.
