Hi we were given cutting for this herb. I think he said it was basil but it doesn't smell or taste like basil. Can you please help identify what this herb is?

Thank you

Are the stems square? If so, perhaps a mint?

There are several different types of basil. Does yours smell like cinnamon? there is a cinnamon basil.

porkpal said:Are the stems square? If so, perhaps a mint?

No they not - they are round. The leaf is very fragrant.

greene said:There are several different types of basil. Does yours smell like cinnamon? there is a cinnamon basil.

I think you are right that it might be a basil as I just went out and did another sniff test to compare it with the basil I have in my garden and it sort of smells similar. It has a refreshing taste. No it doesn't smell like cinnamon. Not sure whether it helps but his plant was a big shrub.

It could very well be a variety of Basil, as green suggested, there are a number of different types of Basil. Photos from our database for comparison:

plantladylin said:It could very well be a variety of Basil, as green suggested, there are a number of different types of Basil. Photos from our database for comparison:
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Thank you plantlady - I think it looks like the lemon or lime basil photos. I can do more research now and narrow it down.

Thanks for all your help porkpal, greene and plantlady.

I think there are 50-60 different types of basil but all will have a square stem. If your plant has a round stem...need further research and more information.

Agree that it could highly possibly a basil, (when it blooms it even more clear)
The pictures actually shows clear square stem.
some times you need bit more careful inspection to see what is square and round in small plant
if you want to see it even more clear cut the stem, the cross section will be square, and use the still green stem, as sometimes the squareness less obvious in lower-browned-woody stem