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Strobilanthes hamiltoniana (Steud.) Bosser & Heine
| Family Name: | Acanthaceae |
| Common Name: | Chinese Rain Bell, 板蓝 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | From Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, to southern China, Taiwan, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An erect, branched herb, up to 1.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its stalked, leathery leaves are opposite, elliptic to ovate, dark green on top and pale green below, 4-20 cm long by 2-9 cm wide. |
| Stems | Hairless to slightly hairy. |
| Flowers | Its flowers are pink, tubular, with oblong shaped petals. Whole flower about 3.5-5 cm long. |
| Fruit | Four seeded capsule, 1.5-2.2 cm long, glabrous. Seeds are ovate in shape, covered with appressed trichomes and measuring about 3.5 mm long. |
| Habitat | In moist forests. |
| Similar | |
| Associated Fauna | Its flowers are pollinated by insects such as butterflies. |
| Etymology | Genus Strobilanthes is derived from two Greek words - "strobilos"which means cone and "anthos" which means flower, and refers to the plant's inflorescence. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for parks and gardens for its attractive flowers. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Flowerbed / Border |
| Thematic Landscaping | Wildflower Garden, Butterfly Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly-Attracting (Flower Nectar) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Attenuate |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary, Terminal |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1187 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2480 |
| 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. |
