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Fittonia albivenis (Verschaffeltii Group)
| Family Name: | Acanthaceae |
| Synonyms: | Gymnostachyum verschaffeltii, Fittonia verschaffeltii |
| Common Name: | Red Nerve Plant, Red Mosaic Plant, Painted Net-leaf, 红网纹草, 菲通尼亚草, 费道花 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant, Creeper |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby |
| Maximum Height | 0.1 m to 0.2 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Peru |
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Description and Ethnobotany
| Others - Plant Morphology | Herbaceous shrub, up to 15cm height, creeping and rooting at lower nodes. Stems covered with fine white hairs. Leaves 5 - 10cm long, dark green with dense network of reticulated rose-red veins. Flowers white to red-tinged, tubular, 2-lipped, insignificant, produced in axils of congested spike inflorescence with overlapping green bracts.Suitable as potted or terrarium plant, or part of dish garden. Can also be used as colourful groundcover to brighten up shady landscape areas receiving indirect dappled sunlight. Requires high humidity. Likes well-drained, loamy soils rich in organic matter. Water regularly to prevent withering, but avoid overwatering which may cause yellowing of leaves. Waterlogged soils may promote leaf and stem rot. Pinch off stem-tips to promote bushier growth. If grown for striking foliage, flower inflorescences may be removed. Propagate by stem cuttings, layering or division.Genus epithet 'Fittonia' named in honour of Elizabeth and Sarah Mary Fitton, 19th century authors of 'Conservations on Botany'. Species epithet 'albivenis' means 'white veined', a reference to the white-veined leaves of the species form. The group name is named after Belgian nurseryman, botanical author and artist, Ambriose C.A. Verschaffelt (1825-1886). |
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Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, General, Terrarium |
| Thematic Landscaping | Naturalistic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Division, Air-Layering |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Red |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Raised / Sunken Veins |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oval, Orbicular / Round) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Obtuse, Rounded |
| Foliar Base | Truncate / Square, Cordate |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Red, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 723 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2018 |
| 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. |
