Plectranthus scutellarioides

Scientific name: Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br.

Family: Lamiaceae

Synonym: Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth.

Bengali/Vernacular name: Pathor-chur, Pata bahar.

English name: Common coleus, Butterfly coleus.

Description of the plant: An erect, branched, fleshy, annual herb; stems are purplish and 4-angled. Leaves are variously blotched or coloured, usually more or less hairy, ovate, rather coarsely toothed in the margins; and in the most common form uniformly velvety-purple. Flowers are purplish, numerous, and borne in lax, terminal, simple or branched inflorescences, 15-30 cm long.

Plant parts used: Leaf.

Ethnomedicinal uses: Poultice of fleshy leaves applied to bruises and contusions.

Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant is given to treat dyspepsia and indigestion.

A paste is made with the leaves of the plant is applied on the forehead twice a day to treat headache; a piece of cloth can be used to fix the paste properly.

Decoction used as eye drops for ophthalmia and conjunctivitis.

The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, diarrhoea, epilepsy, insomnia, and skin rashes.

Distribution: It is planted in garden as an ornamental plant.

Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….