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Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R.Hunt
| Family Name: | Commelinaceae |
| Synonyms: | Sctreasea pallida Boom, Setcreasea jaumavensis, Setcreasea purpurea, Setcreasea lanceolata |
| Common Name: | Purple Heart, Purple-Heart Tradescantia, Purple Queen, Wandering Jew |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Low-growing succulent with a sprawling growth habit. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Bright purple leaves (7.6 - 12.7 cm long, 2.5 cm wide) are oblong with entire leaf margin and acute leaf apex. Leaves have parallel venation and leaf sheaths (the base of the leaf wraps around the stem) instead of petioles. They are covered in soft, fine hairs. |
| Stems | Stems are round and fleshy. |
| Flowers | Light pink flowers (1.3 - 1.9 cm wide) are composed of 3 ovate petals arranged in a triangle and 2 sets of bracts at the base. They are located at the stem tips and open only in the morning. This species is free-flowering. |
| Cultivation | This species should be planted in fertile, sandy soil with good drainage. Optimal growth occurs in moist, well-drained soil, but it is drought tolerant. Leaf colour is most vivid when grown under full sun, but light shade is also acceptable. Consider using it in a container planting with Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus) for a pleasing contrast in leaf texture. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Skyrise / Balcony, Container Planting, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water, Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Low Humidity / Aircon |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Purple |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Powdery / Waxy Bloom, Thick |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thin |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1228 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2521 |
| 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. |
