Purple scalystem
Elytraria imbricata

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 40 cm high. The leaves are alternate and near the ends of the stem. They are oval to sword shaped and 6-20 cm long by 1.5-6 cm wide. They narrow towards the leaf stalk that has wings.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Dicliptera ramentaceae Spreng. ex Nees; Elytraria amara Blanco; Elytrata tridentata Vahl; Justicia imbricata Vahl; and others