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Plant 4 Stachytarpheta indica
Discover India Snakeweed (*Stachytarpheta indica*), a woody shrub with striking blue-purple flower spikes and a range of traditional medicinal uses across Africa and Brazil.
India Snakeweed
Stachytarpheta indica
Plant Growth Form | Shrub (woody) |
Maximum Height | 1m |
Preferred Climate Zone | Africa |
Description:
Growth Form: Woody erect shrub with long prominent spike inflorescences.
Foliage: Opposite leaves are elliptic to ovate with dentate leaf margin (4 - 11 cm long).
Stems: Woody stem has tan bark with linear-shaped lenticels.
Flowers: Blue to purple flowers have a white throat and 5 lobes (1.3 cm wide). They are arranged on a 15 - 40 cm long terminal spike inflorescence at the stem tip which has stalkless flowers held along one main axis. Only about 2 - 3 flowers are open at a time on the spike, lasting for one day and replaced by a new set the next day. The inflorescence blooms in this manner for several weeks.
Habitat: Found in tropical environments with a distinct dry season. Occurs along seashores and roadsides, as well as in disturbed areas, coconut plantations and mango groves. In Africa and Southeast Asia, this species is considered a weed in rice fields and pastures.
Cultivation:Plant in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost. To prevent excessive establishment of new seedlings, remove spent flowers before they set seed.
Ethnobotanical Uses: Food (Herb & Spice) Medicinal : In Nigeria, Snakeweed is traditionally used to treat diabetes and fever. In West Africa, the juice from the plant is used to treat cataract and sores on children’s ears. In Brazil, fresh leaf is crushed and applied on ulcers.