Asystasia gangetica

Asystasia gangetica T. Anderson
(This plant is belongs to family Acanthaceae)

Asystasia gangetica

(Rumput Israel)

(Hidayat T., 2017)

Classification:

Kingdom   : Plantae

Divisio       : Magnoliophyta

Classis       : Magnoliopsida

Order         : Scrophulariales

Familia      : Acanthaceae

Genus        : Asystasia

Species      : Asystasia gangetica

        

Description:

Asystacia gangetica is an attractive, fast-growing, spreading, herbaceous groundcover that grows from 300 mm to 600 mm in height. The stems root easily at the nodes. Leaves are simple and dark green. It produces a cream-coloured flower with tessellated purple markings on the palate (lower petal of the corolla) in spring and summer. Flowers are produced over a long period and are followed by capsules with brown seeds. It is semi-hardy, and young plants require protection in areas of heavy frost. In tropical areas it can grow rampantly. In nature Asystacia has developed a good relationship with the honeybee that pollinates the flowers. The white petals of the flowers and purple blue strip on the lower petal attract the insect, indicating to the honeybee where to find the nectar. The flowers also serve as food for beetles and the plant receives visits from ants. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies too (Lithudzha, 2004).

Spot Character:

Yellowish-white flowers

Benefit:

Ornamental Plant

Distribution:

Southeast Asia, China, Australia, Papua

Location

UPIMain Gate

Status:

Aystasia gangetica is not threatened in any way as is listed as LC (Least Concern) in the Red Data List. According to the Global Invasive Species Database this creeper has caused major problems in the ecosystems of the Pacific Islands. It is potentially highly invasive.

Leaves of Asystacia gangetica

Flower of Asystacia gangetica

REFERENCE

Elliot Litdhudza. (2004). Asystacia gangetica. [Online]. Tersedia: http://pza.sanbi.org/asystasia-gangetica.

Hidayat, T. dan Abdurahman, E. (2017). Keanekaragaman Tumbuhan Biji di Kampus UPI Bandung. Bandung: UPI Press