Basil, botanically known as Ocimum basilicum, is a member of the mint family and renowned for its fresh and aromatic leaves used for culinary purposes. Apart from the leaves, this culinary herb grows small white flowers in late summer, which are a sign of the plant maturing.
Ideally, these flowers have a floral scent and sweet taste and are used in the dried form in sweet and savoury dishes as a topping. While the flowers look elegant, they are not much appreciated, as they are a sign of bolting, which diverts the energy from leaf production, which is the main part of the plant.