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Graptophyllum pictum 'Aureum Variegatum'

Family Name:	Acanthaceae
Common Name:	Caricature Plant

Full Sun

Semi Shade

Moderate Water

Ornamental Leaves

Herbaceous Plant

Leaf with Autumn Leaf caterpillar (<em>Doleschallia bisaltide</em>)

Leaf with Autumn Leaf pupa (Doleschallia bisaltide)

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Infraspecific Epithet
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Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form	Herbaceous Plant
Maximum Height	1.5 m to 2.4 m

Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width

0.6 m to 0.8 m

Description and Ethnobotany

Others - Plant Morphology	Growth Form: Herbaceous evergreen shrub with erect growth habit. Foliage: Opposite, glossy leaves are elliptic with entire or wavy leaf margin (13 cm long). Leaves are mostly green with a cream-coloured to yellow center that runs along the midvein. Leathery, deeply veined leaves have an uneven leaf texture. Flowers: Reddish purple or pinkish purple flowers are tubular and located near the stem tips in clusters (4 cm long, 1 cm wide). Landscaping: This cultivar is grown for its ornamental, variegated foliage which create a tropical or cottage look. It can be potted in a large container and would grow well on a sunny patio as a specimen planting. The variegated, slightly wrinkled leaves will provide colour and texture as a border or background planting. It can be pruned into an informal hedge or screen. Cultivation: This fast-growing species is easy to grow and ideal for hot, humid climates. It grows best under full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Specimens should ideally be planted 1.2 - 1.8 m apart in well-drained, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil enriched with compost. Soil should be consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Apply a complete, balanced fertilizer once a month for outdoor plants and twice a month for potted plants. This cultivar should be pruned to maintain a compact shape. It is usually resistant to most pests and diseases, but may be attacked by mealy bugs and aphids. Propagation: Propagate by stem cuttings which root easily. Etymology: The genus "Graptophyllum" is derived from the Greek word for inscribed ("graptos") and the Latin word for leaf ("phyllon"). The reference is to the leaves typical of species in this genus which look like they were painted. The species epithet "pictum" originates from the Latin word "pictus" which means painted or colored and refers to the colourful leaves of this species. The cultivar name 'Aurea Variegata' is derived from the Latin word for golden ("aureus"), referring to the variegated leaves which can be green and yellow.

Others - Plant Morphology

Growth Form: Herbaceous evergreen shrub with erect growth habit. Foliage: Opposite, glossy leaves are elliptic with entire or wavy leaf margin (13 cm long). Leaves are mostly green with a cream-coloured to yellow center that runs along the midvein. Leathery, deeply veined leaves have an uneven leaf texture. Flowers: Reddish purple or pinkish purple flowers are tubular and located near the stem tips in clusters (4 cm long, 1 cm wide). Landscaping: This cultivar is grown for its ornamental, variegated foliage which create a tropical or cottage look. It can be potted in a large container and would grow well on a sunny patio as a specimen planting. The variegated, slightly wrinkled leaves will provide colour and texture as a border or background planting. It can be pruned into an informal hedge or screen. Cultivation: This fast-growing species is easy to grow and ideal for hot, humid climates. It grows best under full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Specimens should ideally be planted 1.2 - 1.8 m apart in well-drained, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil enriched with compost. Soil should be consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Apply a complete, balanced fertilizer once a month for outdoor plants and twice a month for potted plants. This cultivar should be pruned to maintain a compact shape. It is usually resistant to most pests and diseases, but may be attacked by mealy bugs and aphids. Propagation: Propagate by stem cuttings which root easily. Etymology: The genus "Graptophyllum" is derived from the Greek word for inscribed ("graptos") and the Latin word for leaf ("phyllon"). The reference is to the leaves typical of species in this genus which look like they were painted. The species epithet "pictum" originates from the Latin word "pictus" which means painted or colored and refers to the colourful leaves of this species. The cultivar name 'Aurea Variegata' is derived from the Latin word for golden ("aureus"), referring to the variegated leaves which can be green and yellow.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features	Ornamental Foliage
Landscape Uses	Container Planting

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Semi-Shade, Full Sun
Water Preference	Moderate Water

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s)	Cream / Off-White, Green, Yellow / Golden
Mature Foliage Texture(s)	Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Leathery, Raised / Sunken Veins
Typical Foliar Area	Mesophyll ( 45cm2 - 182.25 cm2 )

Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio

4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s)	Purple

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID	748
Species ID	2043
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: 23 February 2022.