Lemon basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.) a new distribution record from North East India with notes on its identity

Abstract

The odoriferous Citronbasilika, also known as lemon basil, possesses a distinctive lemony sweetness amidst all the Ocimum L. members. While native to India, it has not been formally recognized in India's North Eastern (N.E) region until now. This investigation marks the first documented occurrence of lemon basil specifically O. africanum Lour., in N.E India. This new record has been established through meticulous investigation, comparison, diagnosis, verification using herbarium specimens, and a thorough review of existing literature. The report includes a morphological description, careful scrutiny, identification keys, taxonomic notes, and photographic images of the species. The previously existing confusion regarding its identification alongside O. americanum L. and O. basilicum L. has been clarified. This study aims to facilities the accurate identification of these three Ocimum L. species.