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Marantochloa purpurea (Ridl.) Milne-Redh.
| Family Name: | Marantaceae |
| Common Name: | Yoruba Soft Cane, 紫花芦竹芋 |
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Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria (Southern and Northern), Togo and western Cameroon |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Freshwater Swamp Forest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Herb to 2.5m tall, forming dense stands under optimal conditions |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves light green, to 30cm in length. |
| Flowers | Inflorescence sparsely hairy, loosely branched; flowers dark purple |
| Habitat | In lowland swampforests |
| Associated Fauna | The young pith of the stems are eaten by chimpanzees |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: Used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases, epilepsy and vomiting in Southern Nigeria Others: Baka hunter-gatherers in South Eastern Cameroon use the plant for roof thatching, fiber derived from the plant is woven into cords, baskets, containers and mats. It is also made into fishing rods and brooms. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
| Thematic Landscaping | Marsh Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Waterlogged Soils |
| Propagation Method | Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth, Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31021 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5408 |
| 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. |
