Ethnobotany of the genus Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae) by Afrobrasilian communities

Abstract

The genus Ocimum L. includes around 12 species found in Brazil, including some cultivated species. This paper gives details of the traditional uses of Ocimum by the Afrobrasilian people, with information on the common uses of plants by Africans. The information was derived from specimens deposited in herbaria, ethnobotanical survey and literature review. The transport of African species and their uses in Brazil is discussed. Two routes are presented, discussed and mapped: the European routes, transporting plants to Brazil; and the slave route from Africa to Brazil which also transported traditional uses and knowledge. This study is based on four species used in Afrobrazilian ceremonies: O. americanum L., O. basilicum L., O. minimum L. and O. gratissimum L. Morphological, botanical and economic data are included, and a key to identify the species found in Brazil is also provided.