Dried Basil Botanical name: Ocimum Basilicum Family: Lamiaceae Name: Basil leaves Description: Basil has many varieties, most of them considered an annual plant, but some of basils considered Perennial in warm, tropical climates. The branching roots of basil produce bushy stems; their heights estimated with 30-60 cm and have bearing opposite, ovate, entire or toothed leaves which are often purplish-hued. Basil is very aromatic, no tomato sauce or soup is complete without it. Europeans think that basil can ensure safe journey so they placing it in the hand of the dead.