Native to India, it is grown in Italy.
It makes an excellent condiment for pasta or rice. As well as being the key ingredient in the famous pesto, it is superb with vegetable or meat stews, in sauces, and even for flavouring oils and vinegars. It is known to help relieve stress and aid digestion.
It can be grown both in pots and in the ground. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil as it is very sensitive to waterlogging. Growing temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C. It does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C. It grows in full sun and partial shade.