Basil

Introduction[edit]

Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as sweet basil, is a herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia but is now cultivated worldwide for its culinary and medicinal uses^[1]^[2]. The plant is renowned for its aromatic leaves and flowers, which are rich in volatile compounds like linalool and methyl chavicol^[3]. Basil has significant cultural and religious importance, particularly in the Greek Orthodox Church^[4]. With over 60 varieties, basil is a versatile herb used in various cuisines, including Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese^[5].

Characteristics[edit]

Physical Characteristics: Basil plants typically grow between 1 and 5 feet tall, with glossy, ovate leaves arranged oppositely on square stems. The leaves can be green or purple, depending on the variety^[6]^[7]. Flowers are small and white, often removed to promote leaf growth^[8].
Growing Conditions: Basil prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils. It can be grown from seed or transplanted after the last frost^[9].
Lifecycle: In temperate climates, basil is treated as an annual, but it can be a short-lived perennial in warmer regions^[10].

Why is this crop useful for space?[edit]

Basil could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: 1. Air Purification: Like other plants, basil can help purify the air by removing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is crucial in closed environments like space stations. 2. Food Source: Basil is a nutritious and flavorful herb that can enhance the culinary experience in space, improving morale and providing essential nutrients. 3. Stress Relief: The aroma of basil has been linked to stress relief and mood improvement, which could be beneficial for astronauts during long missions. 4. Low Maintenance: Basil is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a suitable choice for controlled environments like hydroponic systems used in space.

History of Cultivation in Space[edit]

While there is no specific history of Ocimum basilicum being cultivated in space, there have been experiments with growing plants in space to study their growth and potential benefits for future missions. For example, NASA’s Veggie project has successfully grown various plants, including lettuce and zinnia flowers, on the International Space Station. These experiments pave the way for future cultivation of herbs like basil in space.

References:

^[11] Christopher Sullivan. Herbs Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Academics, Hamilton College. ^[12] Missouri Botanical Garden. Ocimum basilicum. ^[13] Wikipedia. Basil. ^[14] North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Ocimum basilicum. ^[15] Nova Publishers. Ocimum basilicum: Taxonomy, Cultivation and Uses. NASA. Veggie Project. (Note: This reference is not directly linked in the search results but is a known project related to space cultivation.)

References[edit]

[1] ttps://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a689

[2] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[3] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[4] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[5] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[6] ttps://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a689

[7] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[8] ttps://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a689

[9] ttps://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ocimum-basilicum

[10] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[11] ttps://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/our_research_files/herbs.pdf

[12] ttps://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a689

[13] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil

[14] ttps://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ocimum-basilicum

[15] ttps://novapublishers.com/shop/ocimum-basilicum-taxonomy-cultivation-and-uses

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