Thai Basil is a spicy, anise-liquorice flavoured basil, which is also known as horapa in the Thai language. With their lovely purple stems and purple-veined dark green leaves these plants are not only grown for their culinary uses but also as ornamental specimens.

It is best when eaten raw— a plate of raw Thai Basil leaves is often served as an accompaniment to the Vietnamese dish Pho. The plant is said to have the ability to convey good fortune. If a leaf is placed in one's pocket, it will cause money to enter one's pocket soon thereafter.