Justicia gendarussa, Gendarussa vulgaris

A decidious shrub growing to 1m.The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). The plant prefers light sandy, medium loamy and heavy clay soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

The plant might succeed outdoors in the mildest areas. It should be grown in a warm greenhouse. Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in the greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts and give some protection over the winter.

Root: diuretic, remedy for fever and diarrhea.

Similar plants:

• Dicliptera suberecta, Justicia suberecta (Hummingbird Plant, Uruguayan Firecracker Plant)
• Graptophyllum pictum, Justicia picta, Graptophyllum hortense (Caricature Plant)
• Justicia adhatoda, Adhatoda vasica (Malabar nut, Adhatoda, Vasa)
• Justicia aurea, Jacobina aurea, Jacobinia aurea (Yellow Jacobinia, Golden Plume)
• Justicia betonica, Justicia pallidior (White Shrimp plant, Squirrel Tail, Paper Plume)
• Justicia brandegeeana Fruit Cocktail (Fruit Cocktail Shrimp Plant)
• Justicia brandegeeana lutea, Beloperone lutea cv. Yellow Queen (Yellow Shrimp plant)
• Justicia brandegeeana Red (Red Shrimp Plant)
• Justicia brandegeeana, Beloperone guttata (Mexican Shrimp Plant, Shrimp Plant)
• Justicia brasiliana, Dianthera nodosa (Pink Justicia)