Snake jasmine, Dainty spurs
Rhinacanthus nasutus

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 1.5 m tall. The stems are stout and 4 angled. They are hairy when young. The leaves are narrowly oval and 2-7 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They are hairy underneath. The edges can be wavy. The flowers are in panicles 50 cm long at the ends of the branches or in the axils of leaves. They are greenish-white.

It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in forests and is cultivated around villages in southern China below 700 m above sea level. In Brisbane Botanical gardens. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China, East Africa, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

It is sold in local markets in China. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, stems, leaves - tea, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Akar teriba, Doddapatika, Gajakarni, Juipana, Ling zhi cao, Naagamalli, Naga malla, Nagamalligai, Palak juhi, Palar sari, Puzhu-kolli, Tarebak, Tawng pau chang, Tereba, Terebak, Thongpunchang, Ubat kurap, Ya man kai, Yuthukaparni

Synonyms

Rhinacanthus communis Nees;