2. Ocimum minimum siue Gariophyllatum.
Bush Basill.
The bush Basill groweth not altogether so high, but is thicker spreade out into branches, whereon grow smaller leaues, and thicker set then the former, but of a more excellent and pleasant smell by much: the flowers are white like the former, and the seede blacke also like it, and perisheth as suddenly, or rather sooner then it, so that it requireth more paines to get it, and more care to nourse it, because we seldome or ne∣uer haue any seede of it.
Ocimum Indicum. Indian Basill.
The Indian Basill hath a square reddish greene stalke, a foote high or better, from the ioynts whereof spreade out many branches, with broade fat leaues set thereon, two alwayes together at the ioynt, one against another, as other Basils haue, but some∣what deepely cut in on the edges, and oftentimes a little crumpled, standing vpon long reddish footestalkes, of a darke purple colour, spotted with deeper purple spots, in some greater, in others lesser: the flowers stand at the tops of the stalkes spike-fashion, which are of a white colour, with reddish stripes and veines running through them, set or placed in darke purple coloured huskes: the seede is greater and rounder then the former, and somewhat long withall: the roote perisheth in like manner as the other former doe. The whole plant smelleth strong, like vnto the other Basils.
The Place.
The two last sorts of Basils are greater strangers in our Country then the first which is frequent, and only sowen and planted in curious gardens. The last came first out of the West Indies.
The Time.
They all flower in August, or Iuly at the soonest, and that but by degrees, and not all at once.
The Names.
The first is vsually called Ocimum vulgare, or
vulgatius, and Ocimum Citra∣tum. In English, Common or Garden Basill. The other is called Ocimum minimum, or
Gariophyllatum, Cloue Basill, or Bush Basill. The last eyther of his place, or forme of his leaues, being spotted and curled, or all, is called Ocimum Indicum maculatum, latifolium & crispum. In English according to the Latine, Indian Basill, broade leafed Basill, spotted or curled Basill, which you please.
The Vertues.
The ordinary Basill is in a manner wholly spent to make sweet, or washing waters, among other sweet herbes, yet sometimes it is put into nosegayes. The Physicall properties are, to procure a cheerefull and merry heart, wher∣vnto the seede is chiefly vsed in pouder, &c. and is most vsed to that, and to no other purpose.