A vigorous plant with large, scented, bright green blistered leaves. It needs full sun, sheltered and warm or a sunny windowsill, fertile, moist but well drained. Basil, (ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family, grown for its romantic leaves. Basil is a kitchen herb, with its leaves;fresh or dried to flavour meats, fish, salads, and sauces, basil tea is a stimulant