Mareto

Mareto is a plant originating from Central Malesia (Java to Maluku).  This species has been introduced as a medicinal plant, to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore more than a century ago.  In Indonesia, especially the people of Maluku, have used all parts of the plant as traditional medicine to treat coughs and shortness of breath.  The young mareto leaves have also been used and consumed by the Sumbawa people as vegetables.  In addition, mareto is also a type of Acanthaceae which is often grown as an ornamental plant.

Wood asystasia (English).

Mareto is generally found growing in secondary forests, shrubs, rice fields, river banks, roadsides, hedges, and plantations.  Usually found in shady or slightly shaded areas in the lowlands.  This species also manages to grow in open areas with full sun.  Prefers well-draining soil, and this species is drought tolerant.  The need for water is in the moderate range.

• Stems - erect, many branches.
• Leaves - ovate to lanceolate, pointed tip, narrow base, leaf margins wavy-thin, hairy on the underside of the leaf along the veins, hairless or hairy on the upper side of the leaf along the veins.
• Flowers - have petals measuring 5-6 mm, lobe lanceolate. The flower crown is red to purple-red, the lobes are ovoid, the flower tube is long. The inflorescences are arranged in the form of bunches (raceme), in groups, located at the ends of the stems and leaf axils. Bracts are triangular, hairy.
• Fruits - capsule, about 2-3 cm long.
• Seeds - irregularly ovoid, tuberculate to wrinkled surface.

Propagated by seeds and stem cuttings.

Amino acid.

• Treating cough with tightness in the chest, eye infection (conjunctivitis).
• Act as female stamina enhancer.  
• Has activity as an antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, lowering high blood pressure, anticarcinogen, and antimutasigen.