Introduction
The plant Crossandra infundibuliformis belongs to the family Acanthaceae. Other known plants of this family are fittonia, aphelandra. The plant is native to Southeast Asia mainly India and Ceylon. This plant is mainly adapted to outdoor environments with good sunlight but can survive indoors too. In indoor conditions, this plant can grow a maximum up to a height of 70 cm, but in outdoor conditions, this plant can grow up to 90 cm.
The common name of Crossandra infundibuliformis is firecracker flower due to the seed pod. These seed pods are found after the flower. they dried up and propagate by exploding during the rainy season or in high humidity (1). The flowers are terminal and bright orange in color.
Botanical description
Height
A small shrub up to 90 cm
Leaves
Opposite decussate, 4 in a whorl, lanceolate and thick, acute.
Flowers
Yellow-orange in color occurs in spikes, bracteate, glandular, and hairy.
Fruits
Capsuled with 4 seeds
Flowering and fruiting
Mainly in the months of June to January (6).
Common name
Firecracker flower
Aboli
Crossandra
Crossandra infundibuliformis care
1. Light
For proper flowering, this plant needs bright light and under low light, this plant normally remains in its vegetative state with no flower.
Crossandra infundibuliformis needs bright light or at least if you are growing this plant inside then keep it near the window where sunlight comes.
2. Watering
Precise watering is preferred for this plant. Water only to the root section or to the bottom part of the plant as the plant is susceptible to diseases (2).
3. Fertilizer
Feed the plant monthly with 2:2:1 fertilizer. Repot in fresh soil every second year (3).
Crossandra infundibuliformis propagation
1. Seed
The main mode of propagation of this plant is via seeds. Seeds are collected from the plant dried and are germinated at a temperature of 24-27 degrees (2).
The germination starts in 3-4 weeks. Keeps the seed on a moist cotton bed or moist filter paper.
2. Stem cutting
Another mode of propagation of this plant is via stem cutting. Mainly the stock propagated in the month of August. the cut stem is planted in moist soil and the roots are developed after 12-14 days. Avoid mist as it may increase the chances of diseases.
Pests and insects
Susceptible to pests and insects. Should not water the whole plant as it causes fungal issues to the plant like Rhizoctonia and pythium.
Insects like white flies and mites and aphids are also major issues to these plants.
Crossandra infundibuliformis health benefits
1. Aphrodisiac activity
Studies done on animal model suggest that the ethanol extract from the leaves of this plant have aphrodisiac activity (4).
2. Antimicrobial activity
Again the alcoholic extract of the leaves of Crossandra infundibuliform is shows antimicrobial activity against some bacteria and fungi (5).
3. Anti-inflammatory activity
The plant also shows anti-inflammatory activity and analgesic activities.
4. Wound healing property
The leaves of this plant also have wound-healing activity and hepatoprotective properties (6).
