Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant, Aquatic & Hydrophyte (Emergent Aquatic) |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Of horticultural origin |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rhizomatous herb to 2 (-3.6m) tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves ovate to elliptic,to 30cm long by 12 (-15)cm wide, upper surface mid green. Under surface of leaves pale dull green; mid rib raised, often with a purplish red stripe to 2/3 of its length. Stems purplish red. |
| Flowers | Flowers bright red |
| Fruit | Capsules papery, with short, black bristles, splitting on maturity, with 1-10 black seeds. |
| Etymology | This cultivar is named 'Musafolia' as the leaves apparently resemble those of the Banana (Musa spp. and cultivars) |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Riverine, Pond / Lake / River, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Waterlogged Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Storage Organ |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Red |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Red |
|---|
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Black, Brown |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Bristly |
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Black |
| Mature Seed Texture(s) | Smooth |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30885 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5261 |
| 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. |
