Written Report

(Gen Bio 1 Project)

Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum, Genovese)

Submitted by:
Chavez, Calista Marie Therese I.
STEM12-A
Outline:

I. General Description
 Origin/History:
Basil belongs to the genus, Ocimum, and its species is identified to be
basilicum. It is an herb that is native in Asia and Africa, specifically
originating from Southeast Asia and Central Africa (Simon, 1995). In India,
where Hinduism is prevalent, basil is believed to be a sacred herb and is a
spirit that provides protection to Indian Hindu families. In the 1500s, basil
arrived in Europe from India, then in America the following century. During
the British rule in India, due to the sanctity of basil in the country, basil took
the place of a Bible during oath takings under the law.
 Classification:
Basil is known for its strong aroma to which the name of its genus
classification, Ocimum, is based on as it is derived from the Greek word ozo
which means to smell. On the other hand, basilicum is believed to have been
based off the Greek word for king, basileus, which is based off the fact that
basil is the “king of herbs” (Sullivan, 2009). Basil has several varieties
classified according to its aroma. There are three classifications of basil:
sweet basil which includes Sweet, Genovese, Large-leaf, and Mammoth
basils; purple foliage basil which includes Dark Opal Basil and Purple
Ruffles; and lemon basils which include Lemon-scented basil, Lemon basil,
and Sweet Dani. There are several other varieties of basil that could not be
assigned under the three aforementioned classifications; these include
Cinnamon basil, Spicy Bush, Camphor, Anise, and Licorice (Simon, 1995).
 Economic Importance:
Typically used in culinary as a condiment or an herb, basil is deemed to be
the most important of the herbs used in several different cuisines such as
Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Laotion. Moreover, its medicinal uses,
according to folk remedy, includes ailments for boredom, cancer, convulsion,
deafness, diarrhea, epilepsy, gout, hiccups, insanity, nausea, sore throat,
toothaches, and whooping cough (Sullivan, 2009).

II. Growth Requirements

 Growing Period:
Basil fares better in warmer regions wherein it can be cultivated all year
round, unlike in cooler regions. Upon planting the seed and meeting the right
conditions for the cultivation of basil, its young shoot emerges after 8-14
days. Before the emergence of its first shoot, its growth may be slow;
however, after the emergence of its first shoot, growth rate increases. Its
shoots would remain viable for more than two year since it is a perennial
plant (Simon, 1995).
  Climate Requirements:
Ideally, basil must be cultivated in temperate regions wherein the weather
does not drastically change throughout the year; however, it favors warmer
temperatures since it is highly frost sensitive. Although it can be grown
indoors and outdoors, better yield is attained when it is grown outdoors under
full sunlight (Sullivan, 2009).
 Soil Type:
Basil is best grown in well-drained soils with a pH of 4.3 to 8.2 (Simon,
1995).
 Irrigation:
The preference of basil to soils also indicate how much water it should
receive. Basil should be planted in well-drained soils; otherwise, standing
water may form which may cause the plant to intake too much water. The
amount of water given to a basil plant must only dampen the soil and not
flood it. Additionally, there must not be other plants around the basil plant
vying for water (Sullivan, 2009).
 Pest Management:
Aphids are the main pests of basil plants which suck on the plant’s sap. The
presence of ants indicates the aphid infestation since ants feed on aphids for
the sweet substances these excrete which helps in managing the pest. In order
to eliminate the aphids, mixing a few tablespoons of liquid soap in a gallon
of water would suffice (Spengler, 2017).
*if any

III. Reflection
The student will answer the following reflection questions:
1. What are your best learning experiences in doing the performance task?
I learnt how to be patient over the course of growing my basil plant. I was
worried that it would not sprout on time because its first shoots did not appear by
the 8th day. When it did, I was eager to have its stem and leaves grow in length,
but it did not do so as fast I wanted. However, as time passed by, eventually it
did, and I realized that, given that I am taking care of it properly. I must give it
time.

Since we are learning about plants in Biology, having a plant enabled me to

observe the features of plant leaf and stem. I was able to apply the things we
were learning in one of my progress reports. Growing a plant aided me in my
learning which allowed me to better understand and remember the lessons in
Biology.
 2. How will you apply these learning experiences in the future?
I can apply patience in my daily endeavors in school. For instance, when I am not
getting the test results I want or when I am not able to understand lessons right
away, given that I am studying hard and effectively, I would eventually receive
the grades that I want. On the other hand, having observed first hand the features
of a plant stem and leaf actually already put me in the habit of identifying what
type the plants I see while walking to school or while strolling in our garden,
allowing me to remember the lessons in Biology. Additionally, having learnt that
I remember things better when I am able to observe them with my own eyes, I
can apply this learning technique in my other science subjects; this is because
science explains how things exist as they do and why things exist as they do in
our surroundings or environment.

IV. References
Simon, J.E. (1995). Basil.
Retrieved from:
https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/basil.html#RTFToC5.

Spengler, T. (2017). What Is Eating the Leaves of My Basil Plants?

Sullivan, C. (2009). Herbs. [PDF file].