Justicias

Justicias are a genus of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae. The genus is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with the highest diversity in the Americas. Justicia species are herbaceous plants, shrubs, or subshrubs, and they are often cultivated for their attractive flowers, which can be white, pink, red, or purple. Many species are also used in traditional medicine.

One of the most well-known species is Justicia brandegeeana, commonly known as Mexican shrimp plant or false hop. This plant is popular as an ornamental for its showy, overlapping bracts that resemble shrimp. Another common species is Justicia adhatoda, native to Asia, which has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its respiratory benefits.

The genus Justicia is named after James Justice, a Scottish gardener. The plants are characterized by their opposite leaves and cymose inflorescences. They often have colorful bracts that surround the actual flowers, which can sometimes be less conspicuous. Justicia species play a role in their ecosystems as a food source for pollinators and herbivores, and some species are important components of various habitats. The genus is quite large, with over 600 species described, though taxonomic revisions are ongoing.