The King of Bitters Plant ( Andrographis paniculata ) is an annual herb native to India and Sri Lanka. Its widely used in traditional medicines and grows abundantly in sub-tropical climates. In its native countries, the King of Bitters has been used to treat conditions such as stomach upsets, malaria, snake bites, skin conditions, fevers, and colds.
Andrographis paniculata has been heavily researched by scientists in recent years due to its reported medicinal qualities. Most of the findings so far have been positive but further investigation is required into the safety of this species due to some potential side effects, which include abortions in pregnant women.
Some other common names for the King of Bitters are Green Chiretta, Indian Echinacea, Creat, Neemba, Kirayat and Bhuin.
Growth
Andrographis paniculata grows approximately 30-80 cm’s tall and 12-30 cm’s wide and bears thin green leaves that stretch to around 8 cm’s in length. The beautiful white flowers are similar to those found on rare orchids. The King of Bitters flower has 4 petals that are mostly white but have some burgundy-coloured stripes and patterns on the upper petals.
The plant prefers a sunny location, and it takes around 3-4 months to reach harvest from seed. The King of Bitters is not recommended for gardeners in cold climates because it does not tolerate temperatures below 12°C.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Acanthaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
14 to 38°C / 57 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist and well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 80 cm’s (2.6 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm’s (1 foot)
pH:
6.5-8.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual or short-lived Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees or self-fertile. Bisexual, meaning both male and female parts are present on the same flower.
MATURITY:
90-120 days
GERMINATION RATES:
80%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-2 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 650
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Not known
EDIBLE:
Yes, but not recommended.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 1 year.
FACTS ABOUT ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA (King of Bitters)
The intense bitterness of the King of Bitters plant has caused the Malaysians to call it Hempedu Bumi or Bile of Earth.
Only powdered versions of the herb are viable for commercial purposes because the fresh plant spoils within a few days of harvest.
Andrographis paniculata grows wild in parts of India and about 5000 tonnes is harvested every year for sale.
