L is for Lepidagathis cristata

Welcome! 
I am writing about herbs in the 2016 April AtoZ blogging challenge. Most of the herbs written in this series are those I have seen or used. Today's herb is another discovery on my morning walk... 

I had spotted a curious spongy looking semicircular growth on the hill which occasionally had leaves around it. It was not clear if the leaves grew out of this central white structure or were from some other plant. I referred to a group of plant lovers who identified it as Lepidagathis cristata of the Acanthaceae family. This plant is native to India and goes by the common name of Crested Lepidagathis or Bhu Terada in Marathi. It is said to have medicinal value as well.

The flowers are stalkless and arise from the centre dome

Branches arise from the central dome like structure

Another interesting herb also from our neighbourhood hills is most likely the Lavandula bipinnata of the Laminaceae family. Here it is:

I hope you are enjoying this blogging challenge as much as I am. 
Bye for now and Take Care!
:)