Baphicacanthus cusia
Family: Acanthaceae
What it is like
Baphicacanthus cusia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Hilly areas. Usually found in wet places.
E. Asia - China, Japan and India.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The roots and leaves are depurative and febrifuge. A decoction is used in the treatment of epidemic mumps, sore throat, erysipelas and fever-caused rashes.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating: 1
An indigo blue dye is obtained from the leaves.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
This plant was formerly cultivated on quite a large scale as a dye plant in China and India, but has now been superseded by artificial dyes and is only grown on a small scale. A monocarpic plant, living for a number of years without flowering but then dying after flowering.
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist