Rostellularia procumbens (Justicia procumbens)

Family: Acanthaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Justicia procumbens is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - boiled. Seed - cooked. It is usually made into a flour. — Young leaves - boiled.; It is usually made into a flour.

Habitat & North American Range

Cultivated fields and waste ground in lowland C. and S. Japan. River valleys in damp shady places in China. Moist open places, 700 - 2500 metres in Nepal. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)