Adenosma indiana (Lour.) Merr. (Plantaginaceae)

Scientific name
Adenosma indiana (Lour.) Merr.
Family name
Plantaginaceae
Local name
Prik krataai
Annual herb, up to 40 cm tall. Stems more or less angular, more or less hirsute. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate to elliptic; base and apex acute; margin serrate, hairy on both surfaces. Petiole sessile to subsessile. Inflorescence terminal, spike-like, cylindrical, c. 8 × 50 mm; peduncle up to 15 cm long. Flowers 5-merous, bilabiate, purple, bisexual. Calyx campanulate, 5-lobed. Corolla bilabiate. Stamens 4, didynamous. Ovary superior, 3–4-lobed. Seeds angular, brown to black.
Traditional medicinal use
Functionality
Functional constituents
Commonly found as a weed in paddy fields after rice harvesting or in marshy areas in open shade. Occasionally grown in backyard gardens. Dried inflorescences sometimes sold in local markets in eastern Thailand. Propagated by seed sowing in moist soil with high organic matter content. Thrives under full sun.
Leaves are consumed as strongly aromatic herbs that add aroma and flavour to local dishes along the south-eastern coast of Thailand. Dried inflorescences are used as a spice in nam phrik (dipping sauces).
Dried flowers
Dried flowers