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Coleus amboinicus (variegated)
| Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
| Synonyms: | Plectranthus amboinicus (variegated) |
Name
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 | 0.4 m |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Perennial herb. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Fleshy, curled leaves are ovate to triangular (2.5 – 3 cm long, 2.5 – 3 cm wide). The middle of the leaf is yellow-green, while the margins and major veins are darker shades of green. Both sides of the leaf are densely covered in soft, white hairs. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: Its leaves are used by Indians to treat coughs. In Taiwan, the plant is used to treat inflammation/swelling. Others: The leaves are used in cooking, salad, brewed as herbal tea. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Fragrant (Foliage) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting, Leaf Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Green - Light Green, Patterned |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute, Thick |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Crenate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Truncate / Square |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30626 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4935 |
| 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. |
