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false waterwillow
Scientific Name: Andrographis echioides
Family: Acanthaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Andrographis: The False Waterwillow
The term "Water Willow" can refer to several different plants. This page focuses on plants within the genus Andrographis, particularly those known as "False Waterwillow."
Considerations for Pets
- Some Andrographis species are shrubby.
- Andrographis echioides is described as hairy.
Considerations for Children
- Some Andrographis species are shrubby.
- Andrographis echioides is described as hairy.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Andrographis Wall. ex Nees
- Common Name: False Waterwillow
- Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Genus
- Synonyms for Andrographis echioides: Justicia echioides, Indoneesiella echioides
Distribution and Habitat
- Andrographis is a genus of about 20 species native to tropical Asia.
- Andrographis echioides is native to India.
- One source indicates that Andrographis echioides is abundantly growing in South India.
Morphological Characteristics
- Andrographis echioides is an annual forb (herb) with very hairy stems growing up to 45 cm tall, branched from the base.
- Leaves of Andrographis echioides are oblong, up to 7.5 cm long.
- Deccan False-Waterwillow is described as a shrubby, hairy plant with short-stalked ovate-round leaves. Branches are 20-15 cm long, wavy, and velvety.
Common Species
- Andrographis echioides (L.) Nees: Also known as False Waterwillow.
- Andrographis paniculata: Also known as false water willow, Indian echinaechia, King of Bitters or kariyat.
Traditional Uses
- False water willow is reported to be used to treat fever.
- Indoneesiella echioides is considered medicinally important.
Resources and Further Information
- Australian Plant Census