Scientific Name: Justicia adhatoda
L.
Family: Acanthaceae
Synonym: Adatoda arborea
Raf., Adhatoda adhatoda
(L.) Huth, Adhatoda pubescens Moench
Vernacular names: Aadalodakam Pothadalotakam
Vasica(Malayalam)
Habit: Shrub
Habitat: Open areas
Distribution: Indo-Malesia
Flowering and fruiting: February- April
Key
identification features: Evergreen,
much-branched perennial shrubs with a strong, odour.
Leaves opposite, elliptic-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, light green above,
dark beneath, leathery. Flowers large, white with red or yellow-barred throats,
borne in compact, axillary, pedunculate spikes. Fruit capsule.
Tribal Consumers:
Kurichiyan,
Kuruma
Uses: Justicia adhatoda
is traditionally used to treat respiratory
conditions like asthma and bronchitis due to its bronchodilator and expectorant
properties. Its leaves contain vasicine, an active compound with
anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and it is highly valued in
Ayurveda.
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