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Assam Indigo
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Assam Indigo
ative Photo: Prashant Awale
Common name: Assam Indigo, Chinese Rain Bell, Pink Strobilanthes, Vein Leaf Acanthus • Manipuri: ꯈꯨꯃꯥ খুমা Khuma, ꯈꯨꯝ খুম Khum • Assamese: Rum, Raspat • Mizo: Ting
Botanical name: Strobilanthes cusia    Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus family)
Synonyms: Strobilanthes flaccidifolius

Assam Indigo is a beautiful blooming shrub, growing up to 5-6 ft tall, abundantly found in NE India. It is a relatively fast growing plaant with soft weeping stems and many hanging bell shaped magenta flowers. Leaves are ovate in shape and are often drooping. In fact, flaccidifolius means drooping leaves. Assam Indigo starts to flower in the middle of the winter and should rebloom again in the spring. It is also used as a garden plant. Trimming is recommended a few times a year, especially after flowers to encourage branching and more flowers. The leaves are used as a substitute for indigo, in dyeing fabrics. Flowering: November-December.

Identification credit: Prashant Awale Photographed at Cherapunji, Meghalaya.

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