Shrimp Plant

Justicia brandegeeana, popular border and greenhouse ornamental, native to warm regions of the Americas and to the West Indies. It has a variety of names in many parts of the world. Commonly, used names include Justicia Brandegeeana, shrimp plant or false hop, Mexican shrimp plant, and shrimp vine.This plant has been used for centuries by the Native Americans to protect their lands from invaders. In addition, the Native Americans would place the shrimps in their homes in times of war. It is also used in ceremonies performed in the Caribbean and South America. The plant is considered to be a sacred plant that has healing properties.

No found data on this. Need further research. 

Often grown in tropical and subtropical gardens. It is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. Plant in soil with good drainage and protect plants from wind. It grows best in humid climates. Grow in moist, humusy, well-drained soils full sun to part shade. Colorful flower bracts tend to bleach out in full sun, so these plants are generally best grown in part shade, i.e., with some protection from hot afternoon sun. Fertilize regularly, because this species is a heavy feeder.

• Stem - has showy, red bracts.
• Leaves - opposite and ovate (3-9 cm long, 2-5 cm wide) with entire leaf margin. 
• Flower - red to reddish-orange, ovate bracts (2.5 cm long) are pubescent (having soft hairs) and overlap one another in a straight or curved form (10-15 cm long). Actual flowers are located between the bracts in a spike inflorescence. They are tubular, bi-labiate and white with purple to red spots on the lower lip. Although flowers last only a few days, the bracts remain fresh for months. 
• Fruits - egg-shaped or oblong capsules (dry, dehiscent fruits) that are 1 cm long. Each capsule contains 2 to 4 seeds. 
• Seed - smooth, ovate seeds (3 mm long). 

• Vegetatively propagated by stem cuttings and division of clumps.
• The division of clumps provides the easiest solution for propagating outdoor plants: Dig up the plant and remove it from the soil. Cut the root system into two or three sections. When replanting the divided sections, space them at least 7.5-8 cm feet apart.
• Division also works for potted plants and helps prevent the shrimp plant from becoming pot bound.
• When taking cuttings, ensure each cutting contains four sets of leaves. Before placing in soil, dip the cut ends of the cuttings in rooting hormone. Keep the soil moist, and the plants should take root in six to eight weeks. After the young plants appear sturdy, transplant to larger pots or plant outdoors.

Glycosides, coumarins, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, volatile oils, and triterpenes.

• Study has shown antibacterial activity.
• The Huastec people of Mexico used Justicia brandegeeana as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including dysentery and other digestive disorders as well as treating wounds.