Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae) in Australia and Papua New Guinea

Abstract

A review of the genus Ocimum (Lamiaceae) in the Papua New Guinea and Australia reveals the presence of five species and the natural hybrid, Ocimum africanum. Ocimum caryophyllinum F.Muell. is reinstated for much of the Australian plants previously included in the widespread O. tenuiflorum L. The other species recognized for Papua New Guinea and Australia are O. americanum, O. basilicum and O. gratissimum. An identification key, brief descriptions and distribution maps are provided for these taxa. An enumeration of collections examined is included.