It is an annual aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae. The basil originates from India (where it is regarded as a sacred plant and therefore is not used for cooking) but it has been widespread throughout Europe since ancient times. The “greek basil” variety (also called “Mmnimum” or “ball”) is characterized by very small, pointy, light-green leaves with a rather intense fragrance which grow into a balloon-shaped bush. It has small white flowers and it is used as an ornamental plants and for garden borders also when it has not bloomed yet. It does not withstand low temperatures.
