Crossandra
In Kannada and Tamil it is known as Kanakambara. It is very common in South India for the women to decorate their hair with a string of Kanakambara. While tying Jasmine flowers, Kanakambara are also used in between to add color. I used to pluck them in my Mama’s / Maternal uncle’s farm and mom used to string them along with white Jasmine flowers and Maruga / Marjoram leaves. The string would look lovely, with all the colors of the Indian National flag.
Sarees in Kanakambara color are very popular.
Plant Summary:
Crossandra infundibuliformis is the botanical name of Crossandra belonging to the family Acanthaceae (Mexican Petunia and Ruellia). In Marathi it is known as Aboli and in North Karnataka it is known as Abali hoovu.
Crossandra is a tropical, evergreen perennial shrub grown in India, Africa, Madagascar, Arabia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The shrub grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. Crossandra is cultivated for their yellow and orange / coral color blooms. The plants bloom throughout the year. The flowers bloom on spikes and are funnel shaped and the stamen is included in the funnel. The leaves are glossy, oval, and deep-green about 2 inches long.
Another plant of the same family of Crossandra is called Green Shrimp plant or Turquoise Crossandra. The blooms of this plant have Aquamarine flowers.
Propagation:
The plant needs well-drained fertile soil with direct sunlight during the morning. Keep the plant trimmed for new growth and fresh blooms. When the flowers dry up the spikes dry and are a store for tiny black seeds. If water is sprayed on these dry spikes, the seeds burst making a crackling noise. These seeds germinate later. The same seeds can be collected and sown in pots of sandy peat in spring.
Saplings can be planted in pots of mud, peat and sand. February or March is ideal time for repotting.
Picture (above) – Yellow Crossandra, photographed in Key West, Florida by Kalyani
Plant Healing:
White flies attach these plants. This can be eliminated by spraying an appropriate insecticide.
Tags: Aboli, Corssandra, Crossandra, Crossandra infundibuliformis, Garden, Gardening, Kanakambara, Perennial Plant
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Filed under: Perennials
Hi
I m looking to buy some seeds so can u tell me where can i find and also can u tell me which r the new hybrid one.
Hi Anil,
I am not sure where the seeds are available, but the saplings are available in most of the nurseries in Bangalore and Mysore.
Regards,
Nirupama
Hi,
I actually went looking for the saplings in Lalbagh but they were out of stock. But I found the seeds at the store in the entrance. You can pick them up from there. If you still cant hold of them let me know and I can send you some seeds by post!!
I have just sown a few today and hope it comes out well.
Regards
Prasanna
Hello Prasanna,
Thanks for the information. I wish the best in growing the plants.
Regards,
Nirupama
hi,
i am looking for the plant with scented leaves.The leaves are used extensively in garlands here in bangalore.what is the name of the plant.I have seen along with jasmine garlands..
Amitha, the leaves you are asking for is known as Citrus Scented Geraniums or Citronella Geraniums. In Bangalore it is available in Lalbagh and other nurseries.