In article ,
Peter Ashby wrote:
Lazarus Cooke wrote:

Someone pointed out recently that Basil isn't Mediterranean in origin,
but tropical. This explains a lot - especially about why it's pretty
hard to grow outdoors here.

I used to grow it outside in Southern New Zealand as an annual in the
summer. Nothing special, in crappy soil in the herb garden next to the
oreganum and in front of the thyme. Nothing tropical needed, if I'd
tried to do the same in sub tropical Auckland it would have been eaten
by half a dozen species of invertebrates in only a few hours.

That is extremely good evidence of the fact that it is a true tropical!

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) originated in tropical Asia, perhaps India,
and has been cultivated for a VERY long time. The prevalence of
parasites is strong evidence of an origin in a similar ecology.
Also, it is a perennial in its natural habitat but, like many tropical
perennials, will grow as an annual in colder climates.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.