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Justicia adhatoda L.
| Family Name: | Acanthaceae |
| Synonyms: | Adhatoda zeylanica |
| Common Name: | Malabar nut, 鸭嘴花 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Vase |
| Maximum Height | 4 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Habitat | The plant grows in plains and in lower Himalayan ranges up to 1000m above sea level. |
|---|---|
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: The plant has been used in India as folk medicine for over 200 years. The decoction of the leaves, flowers, fruits and roots are used for treating cold, cough, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma. Studies have also shown the plant to be effective in the treatment of dyspepsia and pyorrhea. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Acute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Few (1-5) |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31710 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6109 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
