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Callisia repens (Jacq.) L.
| Family Name: | Commelinaceae |
| Synonyms: | Tradescantia callisia, Spironema robbinsii, Hapalanthus repens |
| Common Name: | Creeping Basketplant, Turtle Vine, Bolivian Jew, 铺地锦竹草 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Compact |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico, Central America, South America and the West Indies |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Callisia repens is a creeping herb and can root at the nodes to form a big mat. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its leaves are ovate and measure up to 4 cm long and 2 cm wide, acute at the tip and rounded at the base. The leaf margins are hairy. |
| Flowers | Its flowers are borne in cluster in the leaf axils, small and white. |
| Habitat | Grows in riparian areas, secondary forests and shrublands. Also found in disturbed areas. |
| Taxonomy | The Herbarium at Singapore Botanic Gardens confirmed that Callisia repens is the correct identification of this species on 16 July 2015. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Suitable for Rooftops, Vertical Greenery / Green Wall, Suitable for Hanging Baskets, Container Planting, Small Gardens |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Shallow Media |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Thick |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous, Runner / Stolon |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Aboveground |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 476 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1772 |
| 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. |
