Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Annual |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Rounded |
| Maximum Height | 0.6 m |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Annual herb forms a mound up to 0.6 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Purplish red to purplish green leaves have a striking magenta and yellow center. They are broadly ovate (egg-shaped) to round and edged with large, rounded teeth. |
| Stems | The stem is 4-sided. |
| Flowers | White flowers are tubular and 2-lipped. They are arranged in a racemose or paniculate inflorescence. |
| Fruit | The fruit is composed of 1-seed nutlets which are sterile. |
| Cultivation | Although this cultivar is shade tolerant, it develops the best leaf colour under full sun or bright, filtered light. The stem tips should be pinched to encourage branching. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Fertilizing | Apply a slow release fertilizer after planting and again 3-4 months later. |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
| Propagule Establishment Remarks | The seeds are sterile. |
| Planting Distance | 35 cm to 40 cm |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Pink, Purple |
|---|---|
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate, Orbicular / Round) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Crenate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse, Cordate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Location | Axillary, Terminal |
| Inflorescence Type Remarks | Racemose or Paniculate |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30970 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5356 |
| 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. |
