Anisomeles indica

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

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  • Botanical Name : Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze
  • Synonyms : Ballota disticha L
  • Common Name : Gopati, Chodhari, Indian Catmint, Malabar Catmint
  • Plant Family : Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
  • Plant Form : Herb
  • Occurrence (Special Areas) : Indroda Park

About Anisomeles indica Plant :

  • Habit : Suffruticose, herb reaching 2 metres in height, sparingly hairy or densely pubescent, sometimes almost woolly
  • Stem : Branches tomentose, acutely quadrangular.
  • Leaves : 3.5-10 x 2.5-9 cm ovate, truncate or cordate at base acute at apex, crenate-serrate, thick softly pubescent on both sides, petioles up to 8 cm long, pubescent.
  • Inflorescence : Spike like racemes.
  • Flowers : Purple in dense spicate whorls, axillary and interrupted below, bracts 4-5mm long, linear, pubescent. Calyx about 6 mm hirsute, lobes about as long as the tube, hairy, acuminate. Corolla 2 cm long, reddish-purple, bilipped. Filaments bearded.
  • Fruit : Nutlets, ovoid, smooth, shining, black when ripe.
  • Flowering and Fruiting Time : May to October.
  • Significance : It is useful as an astringent and carminative.