The genus Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae) in North-East Brazil

• Main Authors: Ulysses Paulino de Albuquerque, Laise de Holanda C. Andrade
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas 1998-06-01
• Series: Anales del Jardín Botánico de Madrid
• Subjects: lamiaceae; ocimum; taxonomy; north-east brazil; nutlets; seedlings
• Online Access: http://rjb.revistas.csic.es/index.php/rjb/article/view/219

A taxonomic revision of the genus Ocimum L. from North-East Brazil, including native species, in addition to naturalized and cultivated species, is presented here. Attention is paid to morphological characters, both vegetative and reproductive, and the nutlets and seedlings of two problem species are emphasized. Seven species belonging to three sections are recognized: O. americanum L., O. basilicum L., O. gratissimum L., O. transamazonicum C. Pereira, O. minimum L. (sect. Ocimum), O. campechianum Mill. (sect. Gymnocimum) and O. tenuiflorum L. (sect. Hierocimum). The accepted species, with their most important synonyms, detailed description and geographical distribution are given, after the Identification keys. Morphological variety is also discussed, and illustrations are given of all species.