Malabar Nut
Family
Acanthaceae
Origin
India, Srilanka
Description
Malabar Nut is an herb plant and ornamental shrub. This fast-growing shrub can reach heights of up to 5m with lance-shaped leaves ten to fifteen centimetre in length by four wide are oppositely arranged, smooth-edged, and borne on short petioles. The trunk has many, long branches and the bark is yellowish in color. The blossoms are an unusual shape, having two large white lips with purple veining. They bloom in the dry, winter season, tightly packed on erect flower spikes and are followed by club-shaped seed capsules up to 1 inch long. When mature, the light-brown seedpods pop open and expel their seed some distance from the parent
Justica Adhatoda or Aradusi is useful for curing coughs, colds and asthma and is easy to administer.It has been used for centuries.
Environment
It grows best in shaded or semi-shaded areas, A sunny windowsill will be an ideal position for these plants.
It grows well in well-drained soil with a pH in the range of 6.5 – 7.5, tolerating 5.5 – 8. Add coconut coir and Pine bark to make the soil more drainage friendly.
Water Aradusi plant regularly during the growing season and always keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the topsoil to become slightly dry between each watering. During the winter months, reduce watering.
It will flower more prolifically in a sunny spot but in such a position the leaves tend to become rather yellow and they wilt in hot weather.
Landscape Uses
Malabar Nut is used for Herbal garden, ornamental landscaping and as avenue plant
Herbs