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Justicia
Justicia tubulosa subsp. tubulosa
SA tree number
English: Justicia
Misapplied or old scientific names: Justicia leptantha, Adhatoda leptantha, Gendarussa leptantha, Adhatoda tubulosa, Justicia leptantha, Siphonoglossa leptantha, Siphonoglossa nummularia, Siphonoglossa tubulosa
Justicia tubulosa subsp. tubulosa (formerly Justicia leptantha) is a charming little shrub with striking two-lipped flowers that are a feast for the eyes! It's a tough cookie, able to handle various conditions, and brings a pop of colour to its environment.
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Distinguishing Features:
Two-lipped flowers with distinctive purple or pink markings.
Small, green leaves.
Upright or spreading growth habit.
Dry fruit capsules that burst open.
Found in a variety of habitats.
Overall appearance:
An erect or spreading shrub, often much branched.
Height:
Typically 30-60 cm tall, but can reach up to 1 m.
Width:
Can spread 30-60 cm wide.
Leaves:
Small, simple, opposite, elliptic to lanceolate, 2-5 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The leaves are green, with a smooth margin and are often hairy.
Flowers:
Attractive, tubular, two-lipped flowers, 1-2 cm long. The upper lip is usually 2-lobed, while the lower lip is 3-lobed. The flowers are typically white or pale pink, with distinctive purple or pink markings on the lower lip. They are borne in axillary or terminal racemes or panicles.
Flowering season:
Spring and summer, but can flower sporadically throughout the year.
Fruits:
Small, dry, capsule fruits, 1-1.5 cm long. They are usually hairy and explosively dehiscent, meaning they burst open to release the seeds.
Seeds:
Small, flattened seeds.
Roots:
Fibrous root system.
Soil type:
Tolerates a variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained soil.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun to semi-shade.
Distribution and habitat:
Endemic to South Africa.
Provincial distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape.
Major system: Terrestrial.
Grows primarily in the subtropical biome.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Justicia honors Scottish horticulturist James Justice (1698–1763).
The species name tubulosa (Latin) likely refers to a tubular shape, possibly of the corolla (fused petals).
Historical aspects:
The species has undergone several taxonomic revisions, with Siphonoglossa tubulosa and Adhatoda tubulosa being older names for this plant.
Interesting facts:
This plant is a true South African exclusive, found nowhere else in the world!
While it might not have catchy common names like some of its relatives, it belongs to the huge Justicia genus, which boasts over 900 species globally, making it the largest in its family!
Growing tips:
No specific growing tips found for Justicia tubulosa subsp. tubulosa. However, for the genus Justicia in general, propagation is often easy from seed or cuttings. They tend to prefer semi-shade and well-drained soil.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
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Plant family:
Plant family (derivation)