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Leucas Aspera

Leucas aspera

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameLeucas Aspera

DescriptionCommon medicinal herb featuring dense whorls of small, white, two-lipped flowers arranged in distinctive globe-like clusters along square stems. The entire plant is covered with rough, hairy texture, giving rise to the name 'aspera' (rough). Leaves are serrated and arranged in opposite pairs at right angles, characteristic of the mint family. Widely used in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine across Asia for respiratory ailments, fever, and skin conditions. Sacred to Lord Shiva in Hindu tradition, commonly offered in temples.

FamilyLamiaceae

GenusLeucas

TribeLeucadeae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaBr % ⚥ K(5) C(2+3) A4 G(2)

Bracteate (small bracts present), bilaterally symmetrical (zygomorphic), bisexual, 5 fused sepals forming tubular calyx with 10 teeth, 5 fused petals forming two-lipped corolla (upper lip 2-lobed, lower lip 3-lobed), 4 stamens (didynamous - 2 long, 2 short), 2 fused carpels with superior ovary, characteristic of Lamiaceae

Features

Name 'Leucas' from Greek 'leukos' (white), referring to white flowers. 'Aspera' from Latin meaning 'rough,' describing hairy, rough-textured leaves and stems. 'Thumbai' in Tamil, 'Dronapushpi' in Sanskrit meaning 'cup flower' for flower shape. About 100 Leucas species, mostly tropical Asian
Flowers 0.4-0.6 inches (10-15 mm) long, small white bilabiate (two-lipped) blooms with upper lip hooded, lower lip 3-lobed. Arranged in dense, globe-shaped whorls (verticillasters) of 6-10 flowers at leaf axils. Flowers sessile (no stalks). Blooms year-round in tropics, primarily monsoon season (July-October). Entire plant aromatic when crushed
Annual to short-lived perennial herb with characteristic square stems of mint family. Erect, branching growth. Entire plant densely covered with rough, white hairs. Leaves opposite, decussate (at right angles to pair above/below), ovate to lanceolate, 1-3 inches long, coarsely serrated edges
Grows 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall with 1-2 foot (30-60 cm) spread. Lifespan of 1-2 years (annual or biennial). Propagated easily from seed (germinates in 7-10 days) or stem cuttings. Self-seeds prolifically, often considered weedy. Fast-growing, reaching mature size in 2-3 months
Native to tropical and subtropical Asia including India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, southern China, and Philippines. Now naturalized in tropical Africa, Australia, and Pacific islands. Found in waste ground, roadsides, fields, and disturbed areas from sea level to 4,000 feet elevation
Thrives in full sun to partial shade (6+ hours sun preferred). Adapts to various soil types including poor, rocky soil. Drought and heat tolerant once established. Prefers well-drained soil. Self-seeds readily in favorable conditions. Can become weedy. Hardy in tropical and subtropical zones
Extensively used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for respiratory infections, coughs, colds, fever, headaches, and skin diseases. Leaves applied to wounds, snake bites, and insect stings. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antipyretic properties confirmed by research. Leaf juice used for coughs and asthma. Whole plant used in decoctions
Sacred to Lord Shiva in Hinduism, offered in temples especially during Shivaratri. Attracts bees and butterflies. Used as natural insect repellent. Deer resistant. Easy to grow, requires minimal care. Can spread aggressively in tropical gardens. Symbolizes devotion and medicinal healing in Indian culture

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificLeucas aspera

English (Alternate)Thumbai, Dronapushpi, Thumbe, Tumba, Tummi, Ceylon Slitwort, Common Leucas, Guma

Hindiगूमा (Guma), छोटा हलकुसा (Chota Halkusa), गोफा (Gopha), द्रोणपुष्पी (Dronapushpi)

Tamilதும்பை (Thumbai), காட்டுத்தும்பை (Kaattu Thumbai)

Teluguతుమ్మి (Tummi), తుమ్మచెట్టు (Tummachettu), తెల్ల తుమ్మి (Tella Tummi), తుమ్మెట (Tummeta)

Malayalamതുമ്പ (Thumba), ചിരുതുമ്പ (Chiruthumba), തുമ്പപ്പൂവ് (Thumbappuv)

Kannadaತುಂಬೆ (Tumbe), ತುಂಬೆ ಸೊಪ್ಪು (Tumbe Soppu)

Sanskritद्रोणपुष्पी (Dronapushpi), द्रोणपुष्पम् (Dronapushpam), श्वेतपुष्पा (Shwetapushpa)

Bengaliদন্ডকলস (Dandakalash), শ্বেতদ্রোণ (Shwetadrone), ঘাল ঘাসে (Ghal Ghase), হলকুসা (Holkusa)

FrenchLeucas rugueux, Leucas âpre

RussianЛеукас шероховатый (Leykas sherokhovatyy), Леукас грубый (Leykas grubyy)

SpanishLeucas áspera, Leucas rugosa

GermanRaue Leucas, Weißer Hohlzahn

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.