About Strobilanthes alternata (Burm.fil.) Moylan ex J.R.I.Wood
Strobilanthes alternata (Burm.fil.) Moylan ex J.R.I.Wood is a herbaceous plant that grows to approximately 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. Its stems are prostrate and purplish, particularly at the nodes. Leaves are covered in fine hairs, arranged oppositely along the stem, with one leaf noticeably larger than the other in each pair. Leaf blades are dark green on their upper surface, and lighter green or purplish on their lower surface. This species is commonly called Cemetery plant, Purple waffle plant, or Murikooti. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is known as Vranaropani, which translates to "wound healer". In Kerala, India, its local name is Muriyan pacha, a name linked to the belief that it has wound-healing properties. It is native to tropical regions globally, especially tropical Malaysia and Southeast Asia, and grows abundantly across India, China, Indonesia, and Japan. In Indonesia, Strobilanthes alternata is used to promote urination, stop and heal hemorrhages, treat dysentery, and address venereal diseases. It is popular for garden hanging baskets in the United States, and rarely used for this purpose in the United Kingdom. Note that Red flame ivy has the separate botanical name Hemigraphis colorata Blume.
