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Basil

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BasilBasil

Basil, common name for any of a genus of plants of the mint family. Basil is a sweet herb used for fragrance and as a seasoning for food. Sweet basil is an annual plant, a native of warm climates, about 30 cm (12 in) tall, with ovate stalked leaves, and has long been cultivated in Europe. Bush basil is a small cultivated form.

Scientific classification: Basil makes up the genus Ocimum, of the family Labiatae. Sweet basil is classified as Ocimum basilicum and bush basil as Ocimum minimum.

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