MURIKOOTI (Hemigraphis colorata )

Common name: 

English: Red flame ivy,

           Metal leaf,

    Cemetery plant.

Malayalam: Murikooti.

Sanskrit: Vranaropani.

Botanical name: Hemigraphis colorata Blume.

Family: Acanthaceae

Murikooti is a Perennial, Ornamental plant cultivated for its dark purple foliage.

Leaves:

Leaves are opposite, ovate, 4.5 to 8 centimetres wide, rounded and heart shaped base with toothed margins.

Flowers:

Flowers are white, found in terminal spikes up to 7 centimeters long.  Corolla is tubular, cylindrical below, Swollen above, 10 to 15 millimetres long and 5 lobed.

Medicinal properties:

Paste of leaves applied to fresh wounds to stop bleeding and promote healing.

Recent studies show that the plants extracts have enhanced antibacterial, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.