A taxonomic review of the genus Ocimum L. (Ocimeae, Lamiaceae)

Abstract

The plants of the genus Ocimum L. are rejuvenating herbs due to their aesthetic and magnanimous healing nature. Ocimum L. is a pivot of modern research such as phytochemistry, molecular and medicinal biology. However, there needs to be more taxonomic interpretation and identification of the genus, summing up the need for our study. The morphological discrepancies and nomenclature of Ocimum L. are jumbled up, the same species has been named multiple times by multiple authors. It culminates in erroneous evaluation for taxonomy-based research. Our indignation highlights the taxonomic alterations and modifications that Ocimum L. has undergone since primeval period. The genus's classical to the modern taxonomic transition has not been studied hitherto. The aim is to provide precise information on the antecedent and contemporary stature of Ocimum L. The present study attempts to provide taxonomic clarity for a highly economic genus in order to enhance the commercial perspective and efficiency of selective breeding practices. The present study emphasizes identifying samples with their type, protologue, and herbarium specimen and extricate between ecotype, morphotype, and chemotypes. Molecular taxonomy can provide better insights and transparency. But for a better exposition, such studies must revolve around correctly identified species. The selection of representatives from different populations of the same species can help understand the consistency of vegetative and reproductive characteristics. In this review, few corrections have been provided for misidentified or mistaken species. The species with incorrect nomenclature has been identified and corrections have been suggested. For a better understanding, habit photographs of Indian Ocimum L. have been furnished and morphological features (vegetative and reproductive) for proper diagnosis and correlation has been provided. Specimen examination either through physical or digital herbaria is an obligatory criterion for an error-free taxonomic inquest. Our findings will help to achieve accuracy while interpreting the genus and its species. The retrospection will aid in floristic, biodiversity, taxonomic, phylogenetic, biochemistry and molecular systematic related works. The observations will apprehend the existing gap concerning the taxonomy of Ocimum L.