National Gardens, Athens: ID by Oron as Justicia adhatoda

  • 3 Replies
  • 5418 Views

Hilary

  • Hero Member
National Gardens, Athens: ID by Oron as Justicia adhatoda
« on: July 22, 2011, 11:07:34 AM »
I have a couple of photos of  unidentified plants from the National Gardens in Athens.Apparently there is a book with a list of plants in the garden but I have not located it and the small  museum was closed when I visited at the end of March.
This shrub was in flower then and is planted  in road islands in areas of Athens where the air is highly poluted  
« Last Edit: October 25, 2011, 06:18:41 PM by Alisdair »
MGS member
Living in Korinthos, Greece.
No garden but two balconies, one facing south and the other north.
Most of my plants are succulents which need little care

*

oron peri

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
    • http://www.greentours.co.uk/Leader/Oron-Peri/
    • Email
Re: National Gardens, Athens
« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2011, 11:28:10 AM »
Hilary,
This one is Justicia adhatoda, a large shrub that doesnt need to be watered once established.
Not recomended for a small sized garden.
It might appear in the book you have mentioned under Adhatoda vasica or Adhatoda zeylanica which is a synonym.
Also known as Malabar Nut, this is quite an important plant in Ayurvedic medicin used mainly to treat respiratory disorders and other problems.
« Last Edit: July 22, 2011, 03:31:17 PM by Alisdair »
Garden Designer, Bulb man, Botanical tours guide.
Living and gardening in Tivon, Lower Galilee region, North Israel.
Min temp 5c Max 42c, around 450mm rain.

*

Fleur Pavlidis

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
Re: National Gardens, Athens
« Reply #2 on: July 22, 2011, 04:32:59 PM »
Revisiting the comment I just made under ‘plant list’ about drought resistance and aesthetics, the Justicia may survive without watering but it looks so awful with its big leaves just hanging off the stems, that it seems to be begging for a drink. I grew it in the shade of a pine in my previous garden but I didn’t love it enough to bring it here.
MGS member, Greece. I garden in Attica, Greece and Mt Goulinas (450m) Central Greece

Hilary

  • Hero Member
Re: National Gardens, Athens
« Reply #3 on: July 22, 2011, 04:57:22 PM »
Another one crossed off my "unidentified plants " list,
Thank you
MGS member
Living in Korinthos, Greece.
No garden but two balconies, one facing south and the other north.
Most of my plants are succulents which need little care