Justicia brandegeeana Wassh. & L.B.Sm.

Shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana) is a shrub up to 1.8 meters tall from the Acanthaceae family native to Mexico, named for its curved, shrimp-like flower spike. This plant is popular as a long-lasting, colorful hedge in tropical gardens. The Huastec people of Mexico traditionally use shrimp plant to treat dysentery and digestive disorders.

Shrimp plant is often grown in tropical and subtropical gardens. This species is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. This plant grows in sandy or loamy soil with good drainage and shelter from wind. Grows best in humid climates. Requires regular fertilization, as this species is a heavy feeder. Inadequate lighting will produce tall plants that flower sparsely, so plant in full sun if possible. Older plants will also become tall, so prune to encourage new shoot growth. The growing tip can be removed to stimulate branching. Mature plants can withstand short drought periods, but will not tolerate saline soil. Mulching the plant can help retain soil moisture. Can be grown indoors if given direct sunlight. This species is susceptible to caterpillar attack when grown outdoors, while whiteflies and spider mites can be a problem when the plant is grown indoors.

• Leaves opposite and ovate (3-9 cm long, 2-5 cm wide) with entire margins.
• Flowers red to reddish orange, bracts ovate (2.5 cm long), hairy (with soft hairs) and overlapping each other in a straight or curved spike (10-15 cm long). The actual flowers are located between the bracts in the spike inflorescence. They are tube-shaped, bilabiate, and white with purple to red spots on the lower lip. Although the flowers only last a few days, the bracts stay fresh for months.
• Fruit a capsule or ovate-oblong shaped (dry, dehiscent fruit) 1 cm long. Each capsule contains 2 to 4 seeds.
• Seeds smooth, ovate (3 mm long).

• Propagation of Justicia brandegeeana uses stem cuttings or clump division. Clump division offers the easiest solution for propagating the plant outdoors. Dig up the plant and remove it from the ground. Cut the root system into two or three sections. When replanting the divided sections, space them at least 90 cm apart. Division also works for potted plants and helps prevent the shrimp plant from becoming pot-bound.
• When taking cuttings, make sure each cutting contains four sets of leaves. Before placing in soil, dip the cutting tip into rooting hormone. Keep the soil moist, and the plant will root within six to eight weeks. Once the young plant looks sturdy, move it to a larger pot or plant it outdoors.

Glycosides, coumarins, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, essential oil, and triterpenes.

The Huastec people of Mexico use Justicia brandegeeana as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including dysentery and other digestive disorders, as well as to treat wounds.

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