Asystasia gangetica is a species of plant in the family Acanthaceae. It is commonly known as the Chinese violet. This plant is a spreading herb or groundcover, reaching 40-60 cm in height or up to 1 m if supported. The stems root easily at the nodes. The leaves are simple and opposite. Asystasia gangetica is an attractive plant. It produces a cream-coloured flower with tessellated purple markings on the palate (lower petal of the corolla) in spring and summer. Flowers are produced over a long period and are followed by capsules with brown seeds. It is semi-hardy, and young plants require protection in areas of heavy frost. In tropical areas it can grow rampantly.
