Asystasia gangetica aka Chinese Violet

Asystasia gangetica also goes by the name Coromandel. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family. Its native range starts in the Indian subcontinent. It extends to northern and eastern Australia. Kew places it in the tropics, where seasons bring dry spells. Useful Tropical Plants also records it across tropical Africa and Asia. That source notes wide variation within the species. Some West African plants may prove to be distinct.

The sources differ on the plant's growth form. Kew calls it a scrambling annual or subshrub. It thus grows for one year or has a woody base. Useful Tropical Plants calls it a perennial, living for several years. That source gives a height of about 4.3 feet [1.3 metres]. Its weak stems reach 3.3 feet [1 metre] or more. Without support, they trail across the ground. Gardeners grow it for its looks and as ground cover. It suits plantings in the tropics and subtropics. It copes with cutting and can make a lawn with light use. It does not suit heavy foot traffic.

It grows by roads and on riverbanks. Some sites have ground that holds excess water in parts. Others have farmed or garden soil that drains well. It grows best in hot, humid parts of the tropics. It accepts full sun or part shade. The source reports that it also grows well with less light. Growth slows at just one-tenth of full sunlight. It grows in sandy loam, clay, and coastal deposits. It also grows in very acidic peat. Reported peat conditions include a pH of 3.5–4.5.

It prefers fairly dry soil, but long droughts pose a risk. It may need water to survive dry seasons lasting four months. Bees visit its flowers and pollinate them. Growers raise it from seed or stem cuttings. They also split stems that have grown roots. A buried cutting with one node, a stem joint, can grow fast. It may flower and fruit within six weeks. The source warns that it may become a weed. It does not say how severe this is in each place.

People cook the leaves and young shoots as vegetables. They also eat the flowers as cooked greens. Meals may pair the leaves with beans or seed pastes. People gather the plant for food and use in folk medicine. Some markets sell it in the rainy season. Research reports active compounds, but does not prove treatments are safe. The plant also takes the place of soap. It makes foam when mixed with water. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. This does not prove it is safe for pets or every use.