Ocimum basilicum

Basil

Highly prized for the intense fragrance of its leaves, basil is an aromatic plant grown in many tropical regions. In Guadeloupe, it grows year-round and comes in several varieties with sometimes surprising aromas, ranging from traditional sweet basil to lemon or cinnamon basil.

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Nos espèces

Lamiaceae

Basil

Nom scientifique :

Ocimum basilicum

Nom vernaculaire :

Basil

Carte d’identité
de l’espèce

Basil is an aromatic herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, like mint. Its branched stems bear highly fragrant leaves, the shape, size, color, and aroma of which can vary depending on the many cultivated varieties.

Famille :

Lamiaceae

Origine géographique :

Tropical regions of Africa and Asia

Taille :

30 to 100 cm

Floraison :

Varies depending on variety and growing conditions

Habitat :

Warm, bright environments with fertile, well-drained soil

Classe :

Magnoliopsida

Ordre :

Lamiales

Basil, a well-established herb in Guadeloupe

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is recognizable by its particularly aromatic foliage. Simply crushing its leaves slightly releases their essential oils and reveals their fragrance. This aromatic richness explains the important place the plant holds in cuisines around the world.

In Guadeloupe, basil is grown year-round. Several varieties are found locally, including lemon, cinnamon, sweet, and large-leaf basil. Each has a different aromatic profile, allowing for a variety of culinary uses. The leaves are mainly used fresh to flavor sauces, salads, marinades, and other dishes. They can also be used to make infusions.

When allowed to flower, basil develops small, generally white or slightly pink flowers arranged along upright spikes. They attract various pollinating insects. However, to encourage the production of new leaves, the flowering tops are often pinched off during cultivation.

At the Jardin de Valombreuse, basil offers a chance to discover the diversity of aromatic plants grown in the Caribbean climate. It belongs to the same botanical family as Mint, while its use in infusions links it to Lemongrass, another staple of Caribbean gardens and traditions.

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Hibiscus

With its large, colorful flowers that bloom almost year-round in the Caribbean climate, the Chinese hibiscus is one of the most iconic tropical flowers for gardens. Depending on the variety, its blooms come in red, pink, orange, yellow, or white, contrasting beautifully with its lush, glossy green foliage.

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Guadeloupe Vanilla

Two types of vanilla grow at the Jardin de Valombreuse: Vanilla planifolia, which produces the majority of the world's vanilla, and Vanilla pompona, known in the West Indies as "vanillon." These two climbing orchids, with their distinct pods and aromas, also tell the story of vanilla in Guadeloupe.

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Turmeric

Known for the intense yellow color of its rhizome, turmeric is an aromatic tropical plant from the same family as ginger. Used as a spice and natural coloring agent, it also produces lush foliage and particularly decorative inflorescences.

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