Status:
valid
Authors:
(Heine) I.Darbysh.
Source:
ksu
Year:
2006
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 61: 415 (2006)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000401613
Common Names
- Oblong-leaved Thornapple
- Rhinacanthus Obtusifolius
- Oblong-leaf Prickly-nut
Description
Rhinacanthus obtusifolius (also called 'Bastard Indigo', among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 8 meters tall. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, and is found in dry deciduous forests, dry evergreen forests, and scrub forests.
Uses & Benefits
Rhinacanthus obtusifolius is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Its leaves and stems can be used to make herbal tea, which is believed to have medicinal properties and can be used to treat colds and other ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Rhinacanthus obtusifolius is a small, yellowish-green, five-petaled flower with a yellow center. The seed is a small, dark brown nut. The seedlings have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Rhinacanthus obtusifolius can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and placed in a moist soil mix. Both methods should be done in a warm, humid environment with plenty of light.
Where to Find Rhinacanthus obtusifolius
Rhinacanthus obtusifolius can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Rhinacanthus obtusifolius FAQ
What is the common name of Rhinacanthus obtusifolius?
Coralberry
What is the natural habitat of Rhinacanthus obtusifolius?
Tropical forests
What are the uses of Rhinacanthus obtusifolius?
Medicinal, ornamental
Species in the Rhinacanthus genus
Rhinacanthus oblongus,
Rhinacanthus nasutus,
Rhinacanthus obtusifolius,
Rhinacanthus virens,
Rhinacanthus scoparius,
Rhinacanthus polonnaruwensis,
Rhinacanthus pulcher,
Rhinacanthus rotundifolius,
Rhinacanthus selousensis,
Rhinacanthus grandiflorus,
Rhinacanthus kaokoensis,
Rhinacanthus calcaratus,
Rhinacanthus submontanus,
Rhinacanthus mucronatus,
Rhinacanthus flavovirens,
Rhinacanthus dichotomus,
Rhinacanthus gracilis,
Rhinacanthus xerophilus,
Rhinacanthus nasutus,
Rhinacanthus perrieri,
Rhinacanthus humilis,
Rhinacanthus breviflorus,
Rhinacanthus beesianus,
Rhinacanthus angulicaulis,
Rhinacanthus zambesiacus,
Rhinacanthus osmospermus,
Rhinacanthus angolensis,
Rhinacanthus spiciformis,
Species in the Acanthaceae family
Acanthopale macrocarpa,
Acanthopale confertiflora,
Acanthopale decempedalis,
Acanthopale laxiflora,
Acanthopale madagascariensis,
Acanthopale pubescens,
Acanthopale aethiogermanica,
Acanthopale breviceps,
Acanthopale cuneifolia,
Acanthopale ramiflora,
Acanthopale perrieri,
Acanthopale humblotii,
Acanthopsis carduifolia,
Acanthopsis disperma,
Acanthopsis glauca,
Acanthopsis hoffmannseggiana,
Acanthopsis horrida,
Acanthopsis scullyi,
Acanthopsis spathularis,
Acanthopsis disperma,
Acanthopsis tuba,
Acanthopsis ludoviciana,
Acanthopsis adamanticola,
Acanthopsis dispermoides,
Acanthopsis erosa,
Acanthopsis dregeana,
Acanthopsis tetragona,
Acanthopsis glandulopalmata,
Acanthopsis insueta,
Acanthopsis nitida,
Acanthopsis pagodiformis,
Acanthopsis glabra,
Acanthopsis villosa,
Acanthus austromontanus,
Acanthus greuterianus,
Acanthus kulalensis,
Acanthus arboreus,
Acanthus carduaceus,
Acanthus caroli-alexandri,
Acanthus caudatus,
Acanthus dioscoridis,
Acanthus ebracteatus,
Acanthus eminens,
Acanthus flexicaulis,
Acanthus gaed,
Acanthus guineensis,
Acanthus hirsutus,
Acanthus hungaricus,
Acanthus ilicifolius,
Acanthus latisepalus,
References
Iain Darbyshire: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'I.Darbysh.' in the authors string.