Contents
Description
Leucas Zeylanica, also known as Thumbai in India, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is a popular medicinal plant that is widely cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Asia. The plant is known for its numerous health benefits and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Leucas |
Appearance
Leucas Zeylanica has a distinct appearance with its white or purple flowers that are arranged in spikes. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and have a serrated margin. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and has a bushy appearance. The stem is covered with fine hairs and is slightly woody at the base.
Care Guide
To grow Leucas Zeylanica successfully, it is essential to provide the right conditions for the plant. Here are some care tips for this plant:- Water: The plant prefers moderate watering, and the soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering sessions.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.- Soil: Leucas Zeylanica grows well in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Leucas Zeylanica grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Leucas Zeylanica is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Regular inspection of the plant can help to detect any pests or diseases early on. To prevent fungal infections, ensure that the plant is not overwatered, and provide adequate air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Leucas Zeylanica is native to India and Sri Lanka, where it grows wild in grasslands, dry forests, and rocky areas. The plant prefers warm and humid conditions and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the health benefits of Leucas Zeylanica?
A: Leucas Zeylanica has numerous health benefits and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties.
Q: How is Leucas Zeylanica used in traditional medicine?
A: Leucas Zeylanica is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, headaches, cold, cough, and respiratory infections. It is also used to treat skin infections, wounds, and inflammation.
Q: Can Leucas Zeylanica be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Leucas Zeylanica can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with adequate light and humidity. The plant prefers partial shade and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Q: Is Leucas Zeylanica toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Leucas Zeylanica is toxic to pets. However, it is always advisable to keep plants out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Related Plants
– Leucas Aspera- Leucas Cephalotes- Leucas Martinicensis- Leucas Inermis
References
– “Leucas zeylanica (L.) R.Br.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 10 May 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:833119-1- “Leucas Zeylanica.” Flowers of India. Accessed 10 May 2021. https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Thumbai.html- “Leucas zeylanica.” Useful Tropical Plants. Accessed 10 May 2021. https://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Leucas_zeylanica_(PROTA)
