Justicia procumbens -

Family:	Acanthaceae
Habit:	Annual
Height:	0.3
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - Himalayas to China, Japan and Korea.

Justicia procumbens () is a Annual which grows to a height of 0.3m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Justicia procumbens will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Justicia procumbens prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Justicia procumbens can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Cultivated fields and waste groung in lowland C. and S. Japan[58]. River valleys in damp shady places in China[147, 178].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be successful in Britain, though it should succeed if grown as a half-hardy annual.

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Young leaves - boiled[105]. Seed - cooked. It is usually made into a flour[105].

• Leaves -
• Seed - includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The plant is alterative, anthelmintic, antiphlogistic, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge and laxative[147, 240]. A decoction or an infusion is used in the treatment of asthma, cough, backache, flatulence and many skin conditions[218, 240, 272]. The juice of the leaves is used in ophthalmia[240, 272]. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of curvature and diseases of the bone[240]. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of coughs where blood is being coughed up[272].

• Antiphlogistic - Reduces inflammation.
• Depurative - Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
• Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Febrifuge - Reduces fevers.
• Laxative - Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
• Ophthalmic - Treats eye complaints.
• Skin - Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

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