Source:
SSA
Synonym(s):
Moschosma Rchb.: 171 (1828).
Description:
Annual, erect aromatic herbs. Leaves membranous, entire to dentate. Inflorescences terminal on slender main and lateral branches, spike-like; flowers shortly pedicellate, in usually 2-6-flowered verticils; bracts much smaller than leaves, persistent. Calyx bilabiate, somewhat declinate, accrescent; tube campanulate, 5-toothed; upper tooth the largest, ovate, slightly decurrent, two lateral teeth lanceolate, subulate. Corolla small, obscurely bilabiate; tube short; upper lip short and broad, 4-lobed; lower lip oblong, nearly flat, entire. Stamens 4, didynamous, declinate; filaments not kneed or crested near base; anthers 1-thecous. Disc saucer-shaped. Ovary glabrous; style shortly exserted; stigma bifid. Nutlets ovoid, somewhat compressed, smooth, pale brown. x = 7 (1 report) (polyploidy).
Distribution:
Species 7, in tropical regions of the Old World; 1 species: Basilicum polystachyon (L.) Moench is recorded from the eastern lowveld of Mpumalanga, Swaziland and N KwaZulu-Natal.
Classification:
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