Description
Justicia australis (also called Southern Justicia, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Acanthaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in moist forests. It is an evergreen, perennial, and erect herb with lance-shaped leaves and white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Justicia australis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat fever, colds, and headaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Justicia australis has small, yellow, star-shaped flowers with five petals. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Justicia australis can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in spring in a moist, well-drained soil. Division can be done in spring or autumn. The clumps should be divided into sections with a spade and replanted in a moist soil.
Where to Find Justicia australis
Justicia australis is native to tropical Africa and is found in Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.