The Crossandra is called Kanakambara in South India. The flowers are orange, salmon pink or yellow. The glossy green leaves make a good contrast with the flowers. The plant is small and compact, making it an ideal plant for a small garden.This native Indian plant flowers almost non- stop through the year if it is given sufficient manure and water. An added advantage is that it can flower in semi- shade too.
The flowers of the Kanakambara are loved by south Indian women for wearing in their hair. The flowers are used in all festivals and in the temples. In Goan weddings, the bride must wear these flowers, as they are considered auspicious. In the City Market, heaps of these scentless flowers can be seen, to be woven into garlands with jasmine for use in temples and weddings.