Indian Borage (Plectranthus amboinicus), also called Karpooravalli or Doddapatre, is a hardy succulent herb with thick, fleshy, fuzzy leaves and a strong oregano-like aroma. Widely grown across India, its leaves are valued in home remedies for coughs, colds and sore throats, and are used to flavour chutneys, fritters and buttermilk. The plant is fast-growing, drought-tolerant and almost foolproof, spreading into an attractive mounding bush in pots or beds. Its fragrant, decorative foliage and easy-care nature make it a popular medicinal and culinary herb for Indian kitchen gardens, balconies and windowsills.
Specifications
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
| Native region |
Southern and Eastern Africa |
| Mature height |
30-60 cm |
| Mature spread |
45-90 cm |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Thick, fleshy, fuzzy, aromatic green |
| Flower colour |
Pale lilac to white |
| Flower season |
Winter to spring |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright indirect light to partial sun |
| Watering |
Low to moderate; let soil dry between waterings |
| Soil / mix |
Well-drained sandy or loamy soil |
| Temperature |
18-35 C; protect from frost |
| Humidity |
Tolerates a wide range |
| Fertilizer |
Light feeding once or twice a season |
| Pruning |
Pinch regularly to keep bushy and compact |
| Repotting |
Every 1-2 years or when crowded |
| Propagation |
Stem cuttings (very easy) |
| Pests & problems |
Mealybugs, aphids; root rot if overwatered |
| Toxicity / safety |
Leaves edible in culinary/medicinal amounts |
| Difficulty |
Very easy |
Uses
Leaves are used in traditional remedies for cough, cold and sore throat, and as a flavouring in chutneys, pakoras and buttermilk.
Growing tips
Extremely easy in Indian conditions; root a cutting directly in soil, water sparingly, and give bright light. It thrives on neglect and grows year-round in most regions.