Ocimum kilimandscharicum aka Hoary Basil

Ocimum kilimandscharicum, or camphor basil, belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range runs from Ethiopia into eastern tropical Africa. This range includes Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It grows in a climate with a dry season. The plant is a short-lived perennial that can form a sub-shrub. Growers also raise it as an annual in cooler climates.

In gardens, it reaches about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] in height and width. Useful Tropical Plants gives a taller range of 3.3–6.6 feet [1–2 metres]. The RHS describes its form as bushy and its foliage as semi-evergreen. It takes about one to two years to reach full size. Its leaves have a strong scent of camphor. Small flowers appear on spikes during summer. Their pale colour blends pink with white. Both the scented leaves and summer blooms give it garden value.

Choose full sun and a sheltered site for this plant. The RHS lists south-facing and west-facing sites as suitable. It needs fertile, light soil that lets water drain freely. Sand and loam both suit it. It can grow in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Useful Tropical Plants also notes that it accepts dry soil. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H1B. In Britain, this means outdoor growing in summer rather than year-round hardiness. Plants can spend winter under glass. Mild areas may allow growth as a sub-shrub.

Camphor basil suits beds, borders, patios, and pots. The RHS also lists courtyard, cottage, and Mediterranean-style gardens among its uses. Cut plants back once flowering ends. Raise new plants from seed or softwood cuttings. Useful Tropical Plants advises covering seed with only a little soil. It reports that germination tends to be quick. Aphids and leafhoppers may cause trouble, as can slugs and snails. The RHS reports few disease problems.

The leaves flavour rice, vegetables, and other foods. They can also be brewed into tea. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for the species. This does not establish safety for every use or for pets. The plant provides camphor for commercial use and yields essential oil. People also grow it to repel mosquitoes. The same source records its use for fevers. That report describes a medicinal use, not proof that it works.