Return to This Plant's Category:  Ipomoea to Justicia Justicia gendarussa (Syn.: Gendarussa vulgaris, Adhatoda subserrata), Gandarusa, Water Willow, Willow-Leaved Justicia, Daun Rusa (Malay), Tuhod Manok (Philippines)
	Code: 80060 Price: $9.95
	Quantity: Quantity in Basket: None

Family: Acanthaceae Thought to be native to China, it is widely grown throughout Southeast Asia, India, and the Philippines. Gandarusa is an erect, branched, small shrub, 2½ to 5 feet high. Green leaves are lanceolate, smooth, 3 to 5 inches long, ½ inch wide, pointed at the tips. The ½ inch white flowers, spotted purple in the throat and lip, are in spikes up to 5 inches long at the terminal or in the axils of the leaves. Quick growing, it is grown in the tropics as a 2 to 3 foot hedge (planted 12 inches apart) or as an edging plant trimmed to 1 to 2 feet high. Easily grown from cuttings. It requires moist soil in sun or shade. In its native habitat, it grows in shade along stream banks. In Asia it is used as a herbal medicine. Leaves and roots contain a bitter alkaloid (justiciine). It's commonly planted around homes in the Philippines. Hardy to 32F.

Keyed Cultural Guide: The following symbols are listed with many product descriptions. If so, they indicate special characteristics or growing requirements. Also, see "Cultural Information".

(B) Hanging
basket (D) Dwarf
under 12" (F) Flourescent lights for
indoor light culture (H) Humid
conditions (M) Miniature
under 6" (T) Terrarium
plant (W) Winter
flowering

Key to USDA Hardiness Zones