Water willow
Justicia procumbens

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

A herb. It lies along the ground. The stems are angular and swollen at the nodes. The leaves are small and oval. They are 2-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are purple. They are in spikes at the end of branches. The fruit are capsules 4-6 mm across with 4 seeds.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in open fields and near the edges of forests from near sea level to 1,500 m above sea level in China. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

American Samoa, Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Timor-Leste, Vietnam

How it is used for food

It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, plant - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ghati-pitpapra, Karambal, Kalmashi, Liu jiao ying, Nerei-poottie, Ottu pillu, Palkodi, Pitpapada, Poom-pillu

Synonyms

Ecbolium procumbens (L.) Kuntze; Rostellaria procumbens Nees; Rostellularia procumbens Nees; and others