There are four basic types: • Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum ... Sweet Dani,' 'Mrs. Burns' and 'Lime.' • Purple-leaf basil. Ornamental with ruffled, frilled or deeply cut pungent leaves ...

Even though there are 35 species, most basils are cultivated varieties of just one, Ocimum basilicum ... suitable for pesto and salads. ‘Purple Ruffles’ has deep purple ruffled leaves.