Strobilanthes pavala, commonly known as Pavala Malligai, is a perennial shrub native to the Western Ghats of South India, where it thrives in the understory of tropical moist deciduous and evergreen forests. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters), featuring an attractive, bushy habit with dark green foliage. The plant is renowned for its vibrant purple flowers that are quite showy and bloom profusely in the fall, adding a splash of color to the garden landscape.

Pavala Malligai is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to adapt to shady conditions, making it a suitable choice for understory plantings and shaded borders in tropical and subtropical gardens. It is also used in traditional medicine. In cultivation, it prefers part shade to full shade and thrives in well-draining loam or clay soils with consistent moisture. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more abundant flowering.CC BY-SA 4.0