Contents
Description
Anisochilus Carnosus, commonly known as the Purple Anise, is a tropical evergreen herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to India and Sri Lanka and is mostly found in the Western Ghats region of India. The plant has a strong, sweet aroma that is similar to anise or licorice. Its leaves are hairy and have a purple tint to them. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as cough, cold, and fever.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Anisochilus |
Appearance
The Anisochilus Carnosus plant is a small shrub that grows up to 1 meter in height. Its leaves are oval-shaped, hairy, and have a purple tint to them. The plant produces small, purple flowers that bloom in clusters. The flowers have a strong, sweet aroma that is similar to anise or licorice. The plant’s stem is woody and has a grayish-brown color.
Care Guide
Anisochilus Carnosus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
Water: Water the plant regularly but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade and can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Anisochilus Carnosus is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:
Pests: The plant may be susceptible to whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs.
Diseases: The plant may be susceptible to root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Habitat
Anisochilus Carnosus is native to India and Sri Lanka and is mostly found in the Western Ghats region of India. It grows in a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the medicinal value of Anisochilus Carnosus?
A: Anisochilus Carnosus is known for its medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as cough, cold, and fever.
Q: How often should I fertilize Anisochilus Carnosus?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Anisochilus Carnosus?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: What pests and diseases can affect Anisochilus Carnosus?
A: The plant may be susceptible to whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Related Plants
- Anisochilus carnosus var. wightii
- Anisochilus elenkinii
- Anisochilus thwaitesii
References
- “Anisochilus Carnosus.” Floriculture and Landscaping. https://floricultureandlandscaping.in/anisochilus-carnosus/
- “Anisochilus Carnosus.” Plants of the World Online. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:453834-1
- “Purple Anise.” Gardenia. https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/anisochilus-carnosus-purple-anise
