Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff.
Caricature Plant / Daun talai (Bel.); Ongkalai putih (Dus.)
Acanthaceae
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Perennial small tree or shrub that can grow up to 3 m high. There are 2 variations of the plant which are ‘white adulsa’ with white patches and ‘black adulsa’ with black patches on the surface of the leaves. Leaves are simple, oppositely arranged and glabrous. Leaf blade is ovate-lanceolate, acuminate at apex, cuneate or attenuate at base with entire or slightly wavy margin and pinnate venation. Stems are sparsely branched. Inflorescence a terminal cyme. Flowers are reddish-purple or pinkish purple and tubular.
The local healers believed that the plant can offer protection against bad luck by soaking the leaves into warm water as herbal bath. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, oxytocic, oestrogenic, antispermatogenetic and nephroprotective activities.
It is commonly found on gentle slopes and near villages. It prefers moist, fertile but well-drained loamy soil under full sunlight to shade.
Stem cutting.
Native to Southeast Asia.
It is not recommended to use the plant during pregnancy without medical supervision.