Strobilanthes flaccidifolius (Assam Indigo)
Botanical names: Strobilanthes flaccidifolius, Strobilanthes cusia
Common names: Assam Indigo, Chinese Rain Bell, Pink Strobilanthes, Vein Leaf Acanthus
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: South Asia
USDA Zone: 9-11
Plant form: Large bush
Mature height: 5-10 ft
Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular; moderate
Flower color: Pink
Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirdsImpressively statured herbaceous shrub with thickened veins and bright pink flowers. Very showy and useful plant. The leaves contain 0.4 - 1.3% indican, which can be hydrolyzed and oxidized to produce the classic Blue Indigo Dye. A dark Blue dye is obtained from the twigs. It is combined with Turmeric (Curcuma longa) to make Green, and with Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) to make Purple. The source of famous dye Assam Indigo, it was formerly cultivated on quite a large scale as a dye plant in China and India. Fresh juice from the leaves is used on Okinawa Island, Japan as a popular remedy for athlete's foot.
See Article about this plant: Strobilanthes, Chinese Rain Bell - a source of Blue, Green, and Purple.
Similar plants: Strobilanthes flaccidifolius (Assam Indigo)
