Snake jasmine (Rhinacanthus nasutus)

Rhinacanthus nasutus, often called snake jasmine, is a soft shrub with small white flowers on long, thin tubes. It is not a jasmine at all but a member of the acanthus family. It is grown in South and Southeast Asian gardens, and it has a long folk reputation for skin conditions such as ringworm.

Botanical name: Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz
Family: Acanthaceae
Tamil: Nagamalli
Hindi: Palak-juhi
Parts used: None as food
Habit: Long-tubed Acanthus; not a jasmine
Last updated: 2026-10-25

How to recognise Snake jasmine

It is a slender, branching shrub up to about two metres, with opposite, soft, oval leaves.

The flowers are white, with a long, thin corolla tube that opens into two lips: a narrow upper lip and a broad, three-lobed lower lip. Someone saw the open flower as a snake’s head, which gave the English name.

The fruit is a small club-shaped capsule that flings its seeds out when dry, as in many acanthus-family plants.

Real jasmines, in the olive family, have star-shaped flowers with four to nine equal petals.

Traditional use of Snake jasmine

Siddha and Southeast Asian folk practice

The leaves and roots, ground into a paste, have been applied to ringworm and other skin complaints in India, Thailand and beyond.

South and Southeast Asian folk practice

Modern notes on Snake jasmine

Researchers have isolated naphthoquinones called rhinacanthins from the leaves and roots. In laboratory tests they show antifungal and other activity, which fits the traditional skin use.

Laboratory activity is not the same as a proven treatment. Persistent fungal skin infections should be seen by a doctor, as they often need prescription antifungals.

Snake jasmine safety

Do not take preparations internally. A leaf paste on the skin can still cause irritation or allergy, so stop if the skin reacts.

Ecology and sourcing

Its native range runs from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia to southern China. In India it is mostly a garden and hedge plant.

It grows easily from cuttings and tolerates partial shade.

Related plants

Also in Acanthaceae

Questions about Snake jasmine

Is Snake jasmine a jasmine?

No. It belongs to the acanthus family; the name refers only to its white flowers.

What older names does Rhinacanthus nasutus go by?

Rhinacanthus communis, and Justicia nasuta before that.

What is the Tamil name of Rhinacanthus nasutus?

Nagamalli.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.