Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | Leaves have essentially no petioles, with the lower incised leaves obvate and upper serrated leaves linear. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Petals are usually indigo blue or purple blue in color with white throat. The flower has five petals; the three lower petals are much larger and wider than the two upper petals, which are very narrow, pointed and held closely together. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Flowerbed / Border, Container Planting, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
| Thematic Landscaping | Butterfly Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute, Rough |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Obovate, Linear) |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Blue |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary, Terminal |
| Inflorescence Type | Raceme |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31499 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5896 |
| 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. |
