Description
Coleus barbatus (formerly known as Plectranthrus barbatus) is a versatile, fast-growing, perennial plant species in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is sometimes given the common name of “blue spur flower”.
These plants are also referred to by the common names, big leaf Plectranthus, Indian Coleus, and “forskalaei”/”forskohlii”.
This species was previously known as Plectranthus barbatus but has recently been re-classified as being part of the Coleus genus and their name change was announced by NATAG (RHS Nomenclature and Taxonomy Advisory Group) in the March 2021 edition of The Plant Review.
Coleus barbatus has also been sold under the names Plectranthus forskalaei and/or Plectranthus forskohlii (however this is the incorrect name to use).
Growing conditions of Coleus barbatus (formerly known as Plectranthrus barbatus)
These plants can can tolerate a wide range of climates and sunlight conditions. It can grow in sun or shade, and it can grow in tropical or dry conditions. In drier conditions its growth slows down in times of drought and then when rain finally arrives it bursts into growth.
Growth habit of Coleus barbatus
Coleus barbatus typically grows up to 2m tall and produces thick and furry leaves with a refreshing aroma.
When established the plant make an extravagant shrub or bush that can be used to create privacy and ambiance in the garden.
Regular pruning can assist with shaping the plants as needed, furthermore, the cuttings root very easily so you can grow more plants if you wish!
In autumn time these plants send up lush flower-buds which gradually open into beautiful, elegant, bright blue spires of flowers.
Uses of Coleus barbatus (formerly known as Plectranthrus barbatus)
The leaves are popular in Kenya for use as toilet paper… imagine a soft fragrant option! Thinking of Covid-19 times with everyone rushing to the shops to buy toilet paper, I had a smile on my face knowing that if the toilet paper all ran out at least I had these plants in the garden! Hahaha.
A weak tea of the leaves or root powder is used traditionally in India for high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), asthma, dry eye, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
The tea contains rosmarinic acid which is one of the most important and well known natural antioxidant compounds, which possesses neuroprotective effects in different models of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, as well as chemical-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress. Other compounds in the tea are said by some to offer anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
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