English Holy Basil, Tulsi (Tulsi in Hindi), Tulasi devi (Tulasi and Surasah in Sanskrit),  Trittavu (Malayalam), Tulshi (Marathi) and Thulsi (Tamil & Telegu),.other commonly used names are Vishnu Priya, or Haripriya, dear to Vishnu, and Bhutagni, destroyer of demons. Her botanical name is Ocimum tenuiflorum syn. O. sanctum, Ocimum Basilicum Sanctum, are her names she is generally called, actually they are one and the same, and we have to believe that the confusions comes from using the common names verses the botanical name.

Ocimum is derived from the Greek word meaning "to smell", and so many of the basils do smell of aromas of cloves, cinnamon, anise, citrus, and camphor. Basilicum is the Latin translation of the Green word basilikon meaning king, or royalty. Srimati Tulasi Devi has her own distinct and special fragrance.

There are two main forms are generally recognized: Rama Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum = O. tenuiflorum) with stems and leaves of green colouration, Krishna Tulasi (Shyama Tulasi) (Ocimum sanctum = O. tenuiflorum) with stems and sometimes also leaves of purple, some call red or blackish.

Cultivation of Tulsi from seed: Tulsi seed is easy to germinate and grow. Sow the small Tulsi seeds in early spring indoors or in the greenhouse for an early start, or sow Tulsi seed directly in the spring or summer garden. Sow Tulsi seeds just under the surface of the soil and press in firmly. Keep Tulsi seed watered and warm until germination, which occurs within 1 to 2 weeks. Tulsi prefers full sun, rich soil, and plenty of water. Thin or transplant to 1 to 2 feet apart