Justicia adhatodoides

Justicia adhatodoides
Justicia adhatodoides

Common names: pistol bush (English); ihlwalane, isepheka, ihlwehlwe (Xhosa); uthabe, lothabe (Zulu); pistoolbos (Afrikaans). 
Botanical name: Justicia adhatodoides

The pistol bush, Justicia adhatodoides, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree with showy and fragrant white flowers that attract carpenter bees for pollination. The flowers are followed by explosive seed capsules that scatter the seeds far and wide. The plant has glossy dark green leaves and a rough, fissured bark. It is native to forest habitats in eastern South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. It is used for construction and household utensils by some local people. It is an excellent garden plant for sun or semi-shade, and can be propagated by seed or cuttings.

Uses & Benefits: aromatic, hedge, wildlife


Nature & Cultivation

Family: Acanthaceae
Type: shrub, tree
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Flower colour: white
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Plant-animal interactions: bees, birds
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Light-level: afternoon sun, full shade, morning sun, semi-shade
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Use as Medicine

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