An aromatic plant, Ocimum tenuiflorum grows like a many-branched shrub, with tender and fragrant oval leaves. Holy Basil can grow up to 30 inches in height. The genus name, Ocimum, means “fragrant lipped,” and the species name, tenuiflorum, means “slender” or “small flowers.” aroma and flavor of this versatile herb in your dishes or teas. Ocimum tenuiflorum, holy basil, tulsi or tulasi, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. or Tulsi Ocimum tenuiflorum Pollinator Plant Herb Seeds - Holy Basil Vegetable Seeds - Non-GMO . It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australia and the western Pacific. This plant has escaped from cultivation and has naturalized in many tropical regions of the Americas. It is an agricultural and environmental weed. Learn how to grow this sacred herb for Hindu culture and Ayurveda. Holy basil, known as tulsi in India ( Ocimum tenuiflorum , USDA hardiness zones 10-12), has a warm pungent aroma with a mildly spicy scent.