Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant, Aquatic & Hydrophyte (Emergent Aquatic, Submerged Aquatic, Waterside / Marginal) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | West Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Aquatic (Freshwater Pond / Lake / River) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A herbaceous shrub with an emergent and submerged growth form. It has an upright growth form. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The simple, sessile leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate in shape and have an entire margin with a slightly undulating edge, the emersed leaves being more firm than the submersed leaves. The submerged leaves turn red in water conditions with high phosphate and low nitrate levels. |
| Flowers | The flowers are purple in colour and are borne in the axillary leaf nodes in clusters. |
| Cultivation | It is best grown under full sun or high light conditions and grows best in water temperatures of 25 to 30°C and soil pH levels of 6.5 to 7.2 (mildly acidic). The plant cannot tolerate hard water. In aquascapes, the plant should be pruned when the stem touches the water surface so as to encourage growth from the lateral shoots. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | In aquascapes, it is ideal as a mid to background plant and are used to add a contrast to the green tones in a aquascape. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Aquarium / Aquascape |
| Thematic Landscaping | Water Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Waterlogged Soils (Does not Drain Site), Acidic (low pH) Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting (Herbaceous), Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Red, Pink |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) Remarks | Red midrib |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31612 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6011 |
| 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. |