So White. Rhinacanthus nasutus, Snake Jasmine, Lendangluar, Lombok, Indonesia
One of my botanical heroes whom I've often mentioned in these pages is the Dutch soldier and seaman, colonial administrator and naturalist Hendrik van Rheede tot Drakenstein (1636-1691). During his many duties he found time to put together - with Indian aides - that magnificent Hortus Malabaricus, published from 1678. In volume nine of that enormous work he describes (and draws) our plant under its Indian name: Pulcolli. Since then it's also gone by Justicia nasuta (Linnaeus) and now officially as Rhinacanthus nasutus. Its medicinal powers are not quite clear but extractions have been used for such things as dhobi's Itch, an aphrodisiac and a remedy againt snake bites.
So White. Rhinacanthus nasutus, Snake Jasmine, Lendangluar, Lombok, Indonesia
One of my botanical heroes whom I've often mentioned in these pages is the Dutch soldier and seaman, colonial administrator and naturalist Hendrik van Rheede tot Drakenstein (1636-1691). During his many duties he found time to put together - with Indian aides - that magnificent Hortus Malabaricus, published from 1678. In volume nine of that enormous work he describes (and draws) our plant under its Indian name: Pulcolli. Since then it's also gone by Justicia nasuta (Linnaeus) and now officially as Rhinacanthus nasutus. Its medicinal powers are not quite clear but extractions have been used for such things as dhobi's Itch, an aphrodisiac and a remedy againt snake bites.