Plant of the Week – Adhatoda beddomei C.B.Clarke

Adhatoda beddomei C.B.Clarke, commonly known as Chittadalodakam, is a critically endangered medicinal plant endemic to South India with restricted distribution. It belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is closely related to Adhatoda vasica Nees. (also known as Justicia adhatoda L. = A.zeylanica Medik). It is usually with erect branches from base appearing like several stemmed bush with smooth stem, branches with swollen nodes. The leaves are lanceolate tapering at both ends, and dark green with a smooth texture on the upper side and paler on the underside. The plant has a distinct, strong aroma when the leaves are crushed. The flowers of Adhatoda beddomei are, bi-lipped white or pale violet with purple markings, arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches with prominent leafy bracts. The inflorescence aand flowers are smaller than A. vasica and bloom at different seasons.

The leaves of this plant is much used for treating respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs in Indian systems of medicine and folk healing practices. Green Ahalia is trying to vegetatively propagate this conservation important medicinal plant to raise good nursery stock and establish a good population at Ahalia campus.

For more details : greenahaliaahhkv.org