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Plant Details
   Basilic Finissimo Verde Ocimum Minimum
A
Description
Very small variety of basil with perhaps the smallest leaves of all. Known as Greek basil this very highly scented plant is ideal for detering flies when grown in pots or window box herb gardens. In Greece, terracotta pots are placed in entrances as a welcome.
Culture
As for all basils, loves heat and can not tolerate sodden roots. Plant in good quality compost and you will be rewarded. As a companion plant, it repels white fly, aphids and fruit flies from other plants.
Harvest/Use
The leaves and flowers are best trimmed with scissors for adding flavour to kebabs or consume complete plants in salads or sauces. Rub the skin with leaves to repel mosquitoes. The oil is used to manufacture perfumes.
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Medicinal Notes
{Links} Basilic was used in Elizabethan times to clear the brain and to soothe headaches, it is renowned as an aphrodisiac. An infusion of fresh shoots is used in digestive disorders and as an expectorant. It has a healing effect and is used in compresses and baths.