Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

  • A half hardy annual plant
  • Leaves are round with pointed ends
  • Basil has been cultivated for over 5000 years
  • Culinary herb featured in Italian cuisine as well as Southeast Asian foods
  • The word “basil” comes from the Greek βασιλεύς (basileus), meaning “king”
  • The main ingredient in pesto (basil, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese)

 

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Purple Shamrock

Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)

  • A perennial that is endemic to Brazil
  • It has 3 leaves which are triangular in shape
  • Flowers are usually white, sometimes a shade of pink
  • Prefer light shade
  • Leaves respond to light- they open up in bright light and close up when it’s dark
  • Grown from bulbs
  • Also called: Love Plant, butterfly plant and false shamrock

 

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