Author: Mads Danesoe

100 Thespesia populnea – Portia Tree (ปอทะเล / Por Thale)

ปอทะเล (Por Thale) / Portia Tree Family: Malvaceae Thespesia populnea, commonly known as the Portia Tree or Indian Tulip Tree, is a coastal evergreen species native to tropical regions, including southern Thailand. It is well adapted to sandy soils and saline conditions and has long been recognized in traditional medicine for its therapeutic uses. Botanical […]

099 Murraya paniculata – Orange Jasmine (แก้ว / Kaew)

แก้ว (Kaew) / Orange Jasmine Family: Rutaceae Murraya paniculata, known in Thai as แก้ว (Kaew), is a small evergreen shrub or tree prized for its glossy leaves and clusters of highly fragrant white flowers. It is one of Thailand’s most beloved ornamental and medicinal plants, used both in gardens and traditional healing. Botanical Characteristics This […]

098 Vitex trifolia – Simpleleaf Chastetree (ผีเสื้อ / Phee Suea)

ผีเสื้อ (Phee Suea) / Simpleleaf Chastetree Family: Lamiaceae Vitex trifolia is a coastal shrub widely used in Thai traditional medicine. Its distinctive trifoliate leaves and soft, aromatic foliage make it easy to recognize and popular in herbal gardens. Botanical Characteristics Woody shrub 2–5 m tall. Leaves opposite and typically trifoliate; the central leaflet is longer, […]

097 Sansevieria cylindrica – African Spear (ลิ้นมังกรทรงกระบอก)

ลิ้นมังกรทรงกระบอก (Lin Mangkon Song Krabok) / African Spear Family: Asparagaceae Sansevieria cylindrica, also known as African Spear or Cylindrical Snake Plant, is a striking succulent native to Angola. Its stiff, round, spear-like leaves grow vertically from the base and store water, making it a symbol of endurance and vitality in Thai gardens. Botanical Characteristics The […]

096 Strobilanthes crispa – Saled Phangphon Tua Phu (Black Face General)

หญ้าปักกิ่ง (Yaa Pak King) / Strobilanthes crispa – Black Face General Family: Acanthaceae Strobilanthes crispa, commonly known as Black Face General, is a hardy perennial shrub native to tropical Asia. In Thailand, it is known as หญ้าปักกิ่ง and is widely cultivated as a household medicinal plant. The plant is appreciated for its curled, serrated leaves […]

095 Citrus hystrix ‘Variegata’ – Variegated Kaffir Lime (มะกรูดด่าง)

มะกรูดด่าง (Makrud Dang) / Variegated Kaffir Lime Family: Rutaceae Citrus hystrix ‘Variegata’, commonly known as Variegated Kaffir Lime, is a visually striking form of the traditional Thai มะกรูด. Its distinctive cream-and-green marbled leaves combine the plant’s signature fragrance with decorative appeal, making it popular in both medicinal gardens and home landscapes. Botanical Characteristics This small, […]

094 Gymnanthemum amygdalinum – Vernonia (หนาดงวงช้าง / Nad Nguang Chang)

หนาดงวงช้าง (Nad Nguang Chang) / Vernonia Family: Asteraceae Gymnanthemum amygdalinum, also known as Vernonia or Bitter Leaf, is a perennial herb widely used in Thai and Southeast Asian herbal medicine. It is known for its cleansing, liver-supportive, and digestive properties, and is valued for balancing the body’s internal systems through bitterness. Botanical Characteristics This upright […]

090 Andrographis paniculata – Green Chiretta (ฟ้าทะลายโจร / Fah Talai Jone)

ฟ้าทะลายโจร (Fah Talai Jone) / Green Chiretta Family: Acanthaceae Andrographis paniculata, known in Thai as ฟ้าทะลายโจร (Fah Talai Jone), is a powerful medicinal herb recognized for its antiviral and immune-enhancing properties. It is one of the cornerstone plants of Thai traditional medicine and is included in the country’s official list of essential herbal remedies. Botanical […]

089 Gymnanthemum extensum – Bitter Leaf Tree (หนาดใหญ่หลวง / Nad Yai Luang)

หนาดใหญ่หลวง (Nad Yai Luang) / Bitter Leaf Tree Family: Asteraceae Gymnanthemum extensum, commonly known as the Bitter Leaf Tree, is a traditional Thai medicinal plant prized for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and blood sugar–balancing properties. It is native to tropical Asia and commonly found in Thai herbal gardens and local medicine markets. Botanical Characteristics This perennial […]

088 Phyllanthus acidus – Otaheite Gooseberry (มะยม / Mayom)

มะยม (Mayom) / Otaheite Gooseberry Family: Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus acidus, known in Thailand as มะยม (Mayom), is a small deciduous tree grown throughout Southeast Asia. It bears pale yellow, ribbed fruits that are sour and refreshing, widely used in both traditional Thai medicine and local cuisine. Botanical Characteristics The tree reaches about 5–10 meters in height […]