'The Queen of Herbs' is the most sacred herb of India. This medicinal plant…

2018

'The Queen of Herbs' is the most sacred herb of India. This medicinal plant has importance in Hindu mythology and has the scientific name Ocimum sanctum. What is it commonly called?

  1. A.

    Tulsi

  2. B.

    Rosemary

  3. C.

    Thyme

  4. D.

    Coriander

Attempted by 2 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Concept: Every plant carries a two-part scientific (binomial) name -- genus followed by species -- assigned under international botanical nomenclature; the species epithet often preserves a clue about the plant's traditional or cultural significance (for example, 'sanctum' means 'sacred').

Application: The question gives two clues -- 'Queen of Herbs' revered in Hindu mythology, and the name Ocimum sanctum. Ocimum is the basil genus, and sanctum ('sacred') is the long-used name for the one basil variety worshipped in Indian homes -- Tulsi (Holy Basil), grown in a tulsi vrindavan and offered in daily puja (the plant is now formally classified as Ocimum tenuiflorum, with sanctum retained as its widely recognised synonym).

Cross-check: None of the remaining offered herbs belong to the genus Ocimum or carry any comparable sacred-plant reputation:

Herb

Botanical name (genus & species)

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Ocimum sanctum / Ocimum tenuiflorum

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Coriander

Coriandrum sativum

Result: The plant described is Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum / Ocimum tenuiflorum).

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