Cross flower
Staurogyne elongata

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It can be erect or lie over from the base. It grows 15-75 cm high. The stems are hairy. The leaves have long leaf stalks. The leaves are 5-17 cm long by 2-8 cm wide. The flowers are at the top of the plant. They are on a simple stalk but there can be some small branches at the base. The flowers are white or pale red.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in moist forests. It grows between 200 to 1,200 m above sea level. It needs a moist and humus rich soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indonesia, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten uncooked but also used in stews or steamed.

It is sold in markets.

Edible parts

Leaves as condiment, spice

How it is grown

Plants grow from seeds. Seedlings can be transplanted.

Its other names

Local names

Pokok serawan kubang, Kakedjii, Kedjii, Rende

Synonyms

Adenosma elongata Blume; Ebermaiera elongata (Bl.) Nees; Ebermaiera subpaniculata Hassk.; Erythracanthus elongatus C. Presl.; Erythracanthus elongatus Nees;