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Graptophyllum pictum 'Tricolor'

Family Name:	Acanthaceae
Common Name:	Tricolor Caricature Plant, Waimea Caricature Plant

Full Sun

Lots of Water

Ornamental Leaves

Herbaceous Plant

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Infraspecific Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form	Herbaceous Plant
Lifespan (in Singapore)	Perennial

Mode of Nutrition	Autotrophic
Maximum Height	1 m to 2 m

Biogeography

Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical

Description and Ethnobotany

Others - Plant Morphology	Growth Form: Herbaceous shrub with erect growth habit. Stem: Young herbaceous stem is red. Foliage: Opposite leaves are elliptic with entire or wavy leaf margin (15 cm long). Leaves are mostly green with mixed patches of peach, cream and pink along the midvein. Hairless, glossy 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, colourful foliage which create a tropical look. It is suitable for planting in large containers and would grow well on a sunny patio. The uneven, wrinkled leaves will provide texture to landscapes when placed in mass plantings. It can be pruned into a hedge or screen. Cultivation: This fast-growing species is easy to grow and ideal for hot, humid climates. Leaves will be most colourful when plants are grown under full sun, but plants can tolerate partial shade. Specimens should ideally be planted 1.2 - 1.8 m apart in fertile, well-drained soil that is kept moist. However, this cultivar is tolerant of waterlogged soils and would be suitable for poorly drained areas. 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 colored and refers to the colourful leaves of this species.

Others - Plant Morphology

Growth Form: Herbaceous shrub with erect growth habit. Stem: Young herbaceous stem is red. Foliage: Opposite leaves are elliptic with entire or wavy leaf margin (15 cm long). Leaves are mostly green with mixed patches of peach, cream and pink along the midvein. Hairless, glossy 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, colourful foliage which create a tropical look. It is suitable for planting in large containers and would grow well on a sunny patio. The uneven, wrinkled leaves will provide texture to landscapes when placed in mass plantings. It can be pruned into a hedge or screen. Cultivation: This fast-growing species is easy to grow and ideal for hot, humid climates. Leaves will be most colourful when plants are grown under full sun, but plants can tolerate partial shade. Specimens should ideally be planted 1.2 - 1.8 m apart in fertile, well-drained soil that is kept moist. However, this cultivar is tolerant of waterlogged soils and would be suitable for poorly drained areas. 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 colored and refers to the colourful leaves of this species.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features	Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Stems
Landscape Uses	General, Riverine, Hedge / Screening, Container Planting

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Full Sun
Water Preference	Lots of Water
Plant Growth Rate	Fast

Rootzone Tolerance	Easy to Grow, Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Waterlogged Soils (Drains Site), Disease / Pest Resistant
Maintenance Requirements	Low
Propagation Method	Stem Cutting
Planting Distance	1 to 1

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s)	Cream / Off-White, Green, Orange, Pink
Mature Foliage Texture(s)	Glossy / Shiny
Foliar Type	Simple / Unifoliate

Foliar Arrangement Along Stem	Opposite
Foliar Shape(s)	Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical)
Foliar Venation	Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin	Entire, Entire - Wavy / Undulate
Foliar Apex - Tip	Acute
Foliar Base	Acute
Typical Foliar Area	Mesophyll ( 45cm2 - 182.25 cm2 )

Non - Foliar and Storage

Stem Type & Modification	Herbaceous
Root Type	Underground (Tap Root)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s)	Pink, Purple, Red
Flower Symmetry	Radial
Individual Flower Shape	Tubular

Flower Size - Remarks	4 cm long, 1 cm wide
Flowering Habit	Polycarpic

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID	29922
Species ID	4231
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.