Green chireta (Andrographis paniculata)

Green chireta

Also known as: King of bitters

The green chireta (Andrographis paniculata) has the reputation of being the most bitter plant in the world. Nevertheless, it is a favorite snack stop for butterflies as bees when in bloom. This easy grower has the potential of becoming a weedy pest among desirable crops such as teak forests.

Scientific classification

Species

Green chireta (Andrographis paniculata)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Herb

Plant Type

Fall, Early winter

Bloom Time

Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1.1 m

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Purple, White, Yellow

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Green chireta

Distribution of Green chireta

Distribution Map

Green chireta is native to parts of Southern Asia and Southeast Asia. It has also been introduced to a range of locales in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe, particularly in areas with similar climates to its region of origin. The spread of green chireta is notable in both continents and island nations within these climatic zones, indicating a wide-reaching adaptability beyond its indigenous range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Village groves, roadsides, waste places, open sandy locations and fields, forest

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Green chireta

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Green chireta originates from tropical Asia's moist, shaded environments and thrives in high humidity. It prefers balanced watering, ideally weekly, to mimic natural rainfall. Typically grown indoors, green chireta flourishes with consistent soil moisture that reflects its native climate.

Fertilize: Green chireta thrives with balanced nutrition, especially high-nitrogen fertilizers during the growing season. Fertilize bi-weekly with a dilute solution, reducing frequency in dormancy. Always water green chireta before fertilizing to protect roots, ensuring optimal vigor and flowering potential.

Pruning: Green chireta has lance-shaped leaves and small white flowers. Prune in spring to remove unhealthy branches and promote growth, trimming up to one-third of its size. Use clean tools to avoid infections, and consider post-harvest pruning for shaping and rejuvenation.

Propagation: Green chireta is valued for its medicinal benefits and flourishes in tropical conditions. Propagate using cuttings from healthy plants with nodes and leaves, applying rooting hormone before planting in well-drained, organic-rich soil. Maintain moisture and warmth while preventing waterlogging to ensure successful root growth.

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Images of Green chireta

Distribution of Green chireta

Care Guide for Green chireta

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