Pseuderanthemum maculatum (G.Lodd.) I.M.Turner

Melati jepang merah (Pseuderanthemum maculatum) is a shrub 1-2 meters tall from the Acanthaceae family native to the forests of Melanesia and Polynesia, commonly found growing in Japan, hence its name. Its fragrant leaves and flowers make it a popular ornamental and hedge plant, as well as a raw material for cosmetics and tea flavoring. Melati jepang merah is traditionally used to treat fever, headaches, and stress.

Melati jepang merah can grow anywhere, both in lowland and highland areas. This species grows well in environments with average rainfall of 112-19 mm per month and humidity ranging from 50%-80%. Its growth favors fertile loamy soil, rich in organic matter, and well-drained so it is not easily waterlogged. Waterlogged conditions are disliked by this species. Melati jepang grows best in full sun or partial sun to get bright foliage color. This species also needs regular watering, especially during the hot and dry season. In Japan, this jasmine flower will grow well during dry weather and with plenty of sunlight.

• Stem woody, round, small, highly branched, yellowish green to brownish-cream in color.
• Leaves single (unifoliate), positioned opposite and growing alternately, ovate shaped, with a yellowish green leaf color. This leaf darkens as the plant ages. Vein tissue yellow.
• Flowers small in size, with a green calyx. The corolla is tube-shaped that opens at the tip, predominantly white with a purplish red speckled pattern in the center. Petals broadly ovate at the end and have 4 petals per flower. The flowers appear and grow at the tip of the stem in clusters.
• Fruit a capsule, small, each fruit has 4 seeds.

Propagation is done vegetatively through stem cuttings.

Essential oil (livalyl acetate, indole, and benzyl).

Treats fever, headaches, colds, back pain, shortness of breath, and stress.

• Prepare melati jepang flowers, wash clean with running water then drain.
• Sun-dry directly for several days or use an oven at 40°C until the moisture content reaches 10%.
• Grind until it becomes powder.
• Store the simplicia in a clean, airtight plastic or container.

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