Basil, also called great basil or Saint- Joseph’s-wort, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is also called the “king of herbs” and the “royal herb”. The name “basil” comes from Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν (basilikón phutón), “royal/kingly plant”. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, often sweet smell.