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Asystasia gangetica 'Alba'

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Asystasia gangetica 'Alba'

Family Name: Acanthaceae
Synonyms: Asystasia coromandeliana 'Alba', Justicia gangetica 'Alba'
Common Name: White Ganges Bluebell, Chinese Violet, Creeping Foxglove, Ganges Primrose

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Infraspecific Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Herbaceous Plant, Creeper
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Maximum Height 0.3 m
Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width 0.6 m

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Evergreen herbaceous perennial with a creeping growth habit. 
Foliage Opposite, dark green leaves are ovate with entire leaf margin (8 cm long, 4 cm wide). Older leaves tend to have a distinct drip tip and have deep venation that produces a slightly wrinkled leaf surface.
Flowers Trumpet-shaped flowers (2.5 cm long) have 5 white, round to obovate lobes and a yellowish throat. The terminal spike inflorescence is located at the branch tips and consists of stalkless flowers arranged along 1 axis. This species is free-flowering.
Fruit Explosively dehiscent fruits known as capsules are initially green, but becomes brown and dry after dehiscence (3.6 cm long). The fruit resembles an upside down cello and contains 4 whitish to brownish black, circular seeds which are flattened and beaked (5 mm long, 1 mm thick). Fruits contain 3 mm-long hooks which help to propel the seeds further away from the plant during explosive dehiscence.
Cultivation This species has a moderate growth rate and requires an average level of skill and maintenance. It grows best under under full sun or indirect light and should be planted in well-drained, compost-rich soils that are mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. Individuals should be spaced 0.45 - 0.6 m apart. This species  can grow aggressively and should be restrained with pruning. Propagate by seed, stem cuttings or layering.
Etymology The genus "Asystasia" means inconsistency, referring to radially symmetrical flowers in this genus which is uncommon in the family Acanthaceae. The species epithet "gangetica" was named after the Ganges River in India. This species was likely observed near the Ganges River. The cultivar name "Alba" is Latin for pearl and refers to the white flowers.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna Butterfly-Attracting

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade, Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Rootzone Tolerance Drought Tolerant

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) White

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 408
Species ID 1704
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 10 September 2023.
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