Rostellularia procumbens explained

Rostellularia procumbens, commonly known as water willow ([1]), is a small flowering plant belonging to the Acanthaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, China, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, the Philippines, Japan, and Korea. It is found in higher elevations, commonly in humid areas.

The leaves' juice can be squeezed in the eyes in cases of ophthalmia.[2]

Description

This is a prostrate perennial herb with elliptic leaves. Pink flowers are born in terminal cylindrical spikes. Fruit capsule is hairy.

Habit and Habitat

Herbaceous plant growing either erect or decumbent. Seen in or near small water bodies and wet places. [3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rostellularia procumbens - Water Willow . www.flowersofindia.net.
  2. Book: Dymock, William . Pharmacographia indica. A history of the principal drugs of vegetable origin, met with in British India . London, K. Paul, Trench, Trübner & Co., ld . 1890 . agr03000423.
  3. Web site: Justicia japonica Thunb. Species . 2024-09-02 . India Biodiversity Portal . en.