Lane Cove Public School

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Bush Basil

Bush Basil

Scientific name: Coleus Graveolens


Appearance

●       It can grow up to 1.5m high and 2m wide.

●       It has lovely green leaves with violet-coloured flowers.

Uses

●       Bush Basil can be used in many recipes including pizza.

●       Bush Basil is used for medicine for feverish illnesses.

Location and climate

●       It is found in the Cape York Peninsula (QLD) to southeast New South Wales.

●       It tolerates drought.

●       Occurs naturally in rocky mountains and rainforest terrain.

Interesting facts

●       It attracts bees and insects.

●       It tastes of Mediterranean flavours like tomato and garlic.

●       The Bush Basils leaves are completely edible.

●       European settlers decided to call it “Five Spice Plant”

●       Other names include: Native Coleus, Mountain Plectranthus and Sticky Cockspur

●       It has a strong, unusual smell because it is a type of mint.