Platostoma elongatum

Platostoma elongatum (Benth.) A.J.Paton
Family: Lamiaceae
Synonyms: Geniosporum elongatum Benth., Geniosporum indicum Briq.

Description: Annual herbs, 10-15cm tall, pilose. Leaves opposite; lamina oblong-obovate, 3-5 cm × 3-5 mm, apex acute, base cuneate, distantly serrate, hirsute, punctuate; petiole 0.5 cm. Flowers violet-purple, about 4mm across, in 5-7cm long dense terminal spikes. Bracts 4 × 3 mm, ovate, ciliate. Calyx lobes membranous, densely ciliolate, violet. Corolla violet, 2 lipped, upper 4 lobed; lobes ovate, lower lip longer acute.Stamens 4, didynamous, exerted. Style exerted. Nutlets orbicular.

Habitat & location: Rare. Found in moist places in hilly areas.  Photographed at Penchalakona. Limited to S.India and Sri Lanka.