Yarphese Basil

Ocimum Iarphicum (Vietnamese: hung quế phay) is a species of basil invented in the Grand Yarphese Republic. It is routinely grown in Provinces 1 through 5 of Yarphei. It is also used aesthetically on Yarphese streets.

Innovations
The plant was invented in 2007 by the Vietnamese Liberation Army, in the branch Vietnamese Liberation Scientific Research. It was created by editing the genetic code of a Basil-Polygonaceae splice through specially programmed viruses to insert different genetic codes. The petals were edited for aesthetic purposes. While the plant is flowering, petals are in Yarphese orange with a pattern comparable to the níór. In addition, they are tapered so as to resemble the Yarphese Flag. After flowering, basil leaves grow so that the taste is intensified, with a slight sweetness, and are generally twice as large. The basil is otherwise similar to Ocimum Basilicum. However, it is more resistant to disease, and can only grow when certain minerals are present.

Cultivation and Use
Yarphese basil, for now, is only grown in the Mekong Delta, on horizontal farms. It has largely replaced traditional basil production in the area. Thus, Yarphese basil accounts for as much as 16% of Yarphese basil production. It is regarded as a specialty food in the area, and more so in areas outside the Mekong Delta. The plant is used often in flower beds and on Yarphese boulevards in the Mekong Delta. It is thought of as a way to demonstrate patriotism to Yarphei. Some families grow the plants for food.

Trade and Distribution
Currently the plant is not permitted out of Provinces 1 through 5, in order to observe the effects on the environment before sending it to other part of Yarphei. Worldwide companies have shown interest in the plant, but have been rejected. Currently Yarphese basil makes up approximately 80% of basil consumption in the Mekong Delta.