Ribbon bush
Hypoestes aristata

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

A herb or shrub. The leaves are hairy and dark green. The flowers are in spikes and are tube shaped and mauve or pink. The petals curl.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It is best in light shade.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Burkina Faso, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, West Africa, Zambia

How it is used for food

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Hamshika, Idololenkonyane-elimhlophe

Synonyms

Justicia aristata Vahl; Hypoestes verticillaris (L.f.) Sol. ex Roem. & Schult. and others