Accession Count: 5
Common Name:
Malabar nut, adulsa, adhatoda
Family Name:
Acanthaceae
Botanical Name:
Justicia adhatoda
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The malabar nut is a shrub that grows up to 3 m (10 ft) tall in cultivation, in its native range though, it can reach heights of up to nearly 5m (16 ft) (1). Its leaves cover the entire length of the stem and have a bright forest green color to them. Along its stem, each leave is oppositely arranged and has a petiole of a little over 1 centimeter (about 0.39 in) (1). The leaves can reach to be 10 centimeters (about 3.94 in) long and have a glossy surface texture and are simple as well as entire with its shape (1). Flowers start to appear in the winter and throughout early spring. They have white petals with distinct pink venation that can be seen at their base when viewing the center of the corolla. The corolla is comprised of five petals, two are fused to each other at the top of the corolla, while three others are fused to each other to form the bottom of the corolla which curves downward. Flowers are born on indeterminate inflorescences and are sessile to the stem (4). Fruits are dry dehiscent and are capsule, initially being green but then turn brown when mature (5). The seed amounts per fruit tend to be 1-5 and have a glabrous texture (4, 5).
Compound:
Jus adh
Geographic Origin:
Asia
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The malabar nut is native to countries in Asia ranging from Afghanistan to India, and some countries in East Asia. Naturally, it grows in tropical climates with dry winters (dry tropics) at elevations less than 1300 m (4300 ft) (3).
Cultivation Notes:
The malabar nut is best grown in soil that consists of sand, loam, and limestone sand, with a pH level of 7.0-8.0 which makes it well suited to many Arizona desert soils (1). When first transplanted, seedlings require frequent watering, but once established in soil, moderate to low water is tolerated. If propagated from root cutting, it is best to plant in raised soil beds, such as mounds or ridges that are spaced at least 60 cm (23.6 in) away from each other (6). This plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 20-27 degrees Celsius (60-80.6~ degrees Fahrenheit), but can tolerate higher temperatures up to at least 32 degrees Celsius (89.6~ degrees Fahrenheit) (7).
Ethnobotany:
The most typical usage for this plant is for its medicinal properties. Pharmaceutical doctors in India had discovered its properties back in 1955 through liquid extraction from leaves and had found it advantageous in treating respiratory ailments (3). Its medicinal properties aid in treating sicknesses such as colds, bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, and many more (3). Most parts of shrub can be used, but commonly, its leaves, roots, bark, and flowers are what is used in medicine (3). Besides its leaves being the most commonly used, another notable part of the plant is its roots. It’s roots not only aid in treating respiratory sicknesses, but can also be used to treat jaundice and diabetes (7).
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Winter
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
White
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Allergenic
Invasive:
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Tender
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
1.
iPlantz. Retrieved October, 2024.
