Adusa (Justicia adhatoda), also called Malabar Nut or Vasaka, is a robust evergreen shrub widely grown across India for its powerful medicinal value in respiratory care. It forms a dense bush of large lance-shaped leaves and bears attractive white tubular flowers streaked with pink or purple that draw bees and butterflies. Every part, especially the leaves, has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to ease cough, cold, asthma and bronchitis. Tough, drought-tolerant and fast-growing, Adusa thrives in almost any Indian soil and doubles as a flowering hedge or windbreak, making it a practical and ornamental medicinal plant.
Specifications
| Family |
Acanthaceae |
| Native region |
Indian subcontinent and Asia |
| Mature height |
1.5-3 m |
| Mature spread |
1-2 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Large lance-shaped green leaves |
| Flower colour |
White with pink/purple veins |
| Flower season |
Winter to spring |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering |
Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil / mix |
Adapts to most well-drained soils |
| Temperature |
15-38 C tolerant |
| Humidity |
Moderate |
| Fertilizer |
Occasional organic compost |
| Pruning |
Prune after flowering to shape |
| Repotting |
Every 2-3 years if potted |
| Propagation |
Stem cuttings easily |
| Pests & problems |
Largely pest-resistant |
| Toxicity / safety |
Medicinal; avoid in pregnancy |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
A staple Ayurvedic remedy for cough, cold, asthma and bronchitis, with leaves used in syrups and decoctions. Also planted as a flowering hedge and a bee-friendly shrub.
Growing tips
Plant in full sun for the best flowering and water moderately, as it tolerates dry spells once established. Prune hard after the flowering season to keep the bush dense and productive.