Justicia procumbens
Family: Acanthaceae
What it is like
Justicia procumbens is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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): 0.3
Where it is found
Cultivated fields and waste ground in lowland C. and S. Japan. River valleys in damp shady places in China. Moist open places, 700 - 2500 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - Himalayas to China, Japan and Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - boiled. Seed - cooked. It is usually made into a flour.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is alterative, anthelmintic, antiphlogistic, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge and laxative. A decoction or an infusion is used in the treatment of asthma, cough, backache, flatulence and many skin conditions. The juice of the leaves is used in ophthalmia. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of curvature and diseases of the bone. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of coughs where blood is being coughed up.
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.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
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.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist