Bush Basil

Bush Basil

( Coleus graveolens was Plectranthus graveolens)

Bush Basil (aka Native coleus, Five spice plant, Mountain plectranthus, Sticky cockspur) is neither a basil nor is it a bush!

It is actually a type of mint. The Coleus / Plectranthus genus sits under the Lamiaceae (mint) family alongside the Menta genus (true-mints like Native River Mint) and the Prostanthera genus (native mint bushes like Native Thyme and Native Oregano).
Also this “bush” at its peak grows to be a lowly prostrate (1m x 1.5m) shrub …. with small, pale purple-blue flowers that grow in dense spikes and attract pollinators such as bees and small butterflies
Bush basil is an authentic bush tucker and the leaves taste great. But today it is typically seen in environmentally focused landscape planting and we have largely forgotten about its edible benefits.
This unassuming shrub is not only a great source of nectar for insects but also provides a dense habitat. It is a prolific self-seeder and will grow in places where other plants would struggle to survive.

Cultivate

Bush basil grows readily in southeast Queensland and as a perennial shrub it’s worth having on hand year-round.
Grows in well on well-drained soils, prefers semi-shade but tolerates full sun and thrives in a garden bed, as a hedge or container plant.
Native to mountain rainforest N Qld to N NSW. Very hardy plant that is drought-tolerant and can survive in poor soils.
Bush basil is short lived ,with a lifespan of around five years. In the second or third year, they will become leggy and you can prolong the life of your bush basils by cutting them really quite hard.
Propagation is via cuttings, which root easily. Snip off some fresh growth 10–15cm long which includes a few sets of leaves and nodes. Remove the lower leaves and place in water. Change the water weekly and roots should form after a few weeks. Once roots are 5–10cm long plant into soil, compost.
Great to have some planted handy to the kitchen so you can enjoy aromatic rush of camphor, clove and sweet mint each time you cut off fresh leaves.
Plants requires regular trimming to keep a compact shape, and can prune any time of year …. but do cut back in spring to encourage fresh new growth for the season ahead. And bush basil can be harvested anytime the plant is producing leaves.
Planted at Orchard Beach … yet to plant some at Kerry, BTFF, and Springbrook.
Avail Tuckerbush (Bunnings). Can plant in pots. Easy to propagate.

Australian bush basil has its own distinct taste that can add a complexity to dishes. Somewhat similar to traditional basil, with notes of mint and camphor … and the aromatics are more striking and complex.
Early European settlers called it the “Five Spice Plant” for its complex aroma, reminiscent of basil, mint, oregano and sage. And while the name “graveolens” does mean having a “strong (unpleasant) smell”, this family variant is noted for its pleasant complex slightly citrus but most pleasant aroma ….illustrating taxonomic irony!
Also European settlers used it as a seasoning for meat and as “bush basil” for soups and stews in remote outback.
The broad and slightly fluffy, sticky leaves with their scalloped edges are best eaten fresh. However they can be dried like you would mint, and stored in an airtight container. Also if using fresh leaves in a cooked dish thy to add them at the end of the cooking to preserve the aroma.
Bush basil compliments Mediterranean flavours so can scatter fresh leaves on pizza or a wrap or salad. Its earthy and potent aroma complements flavours like garlic and tomato.
It is also can be used in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, where it adds a unique flavor to stir-fries, soups, curries, and salads.
And it can make a substitute for sweet basil in many other dishes …. but it is at its very best (IMHO) blended with pine nuts or macademias and olive oil for a fragrant pesto. Native Macadamia Pesto (link)

This shrub was traditionally used medicinally … the leaves were steeped into warm infusions or teas to help soothe chest colds, coughs, and general congestion.
Crushed leaves were used for flavoring food, particularly fish, game and foraged grrens.
Also this pungently aromatic creekside herb was used around living areas, acting naturally to help deter biting insects, and for freshening camp spaces.
And this calming and protective plant was used in Indigineous ceremonial and spiritual practice

Do a hedge planting maybe gully

Update wikipedia .. and add to native herbs n spices