Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Brazil |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rhizomatous herb forming dense, spreading clumps where growing conditions are ideal |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves asymmetric, densely hairy, circular in outline, to 13cm long by 21cm wide; venation palmate. Upper surface of leaves pustulate, dark green,bright yellowish green - bright green along veins. Under surface of leaves very pale whitish green - pink and with red marking. Petioles hairy, very pale green with reddish tinge. |
| Flowers | Flowers white |
| Others - Plant Morphology | The leaf color of this species can change in a matter of minutes when the plant is exposed to sunlight - the chloroplasts in the leaf cells change the orientation in response to the change in light conditions, and the leaf color switches to a dark brownish green instead of the dark green color. |
| Etymology | The specific epithet 'soli mutata' refers to the phenomenon of color change in the leaves, as mentioned above. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Planting Remarks | Use a well drained but moisture retentive media for this species. The soil should be allowed to dry off slightly before the next watering. Do not allow the soil/ media to become soggy as this will cause the plant to rot. |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting, Leaf Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Brown, Green, Green - Light Green, Red, Yellow / Golden |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31619 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6018 |
| 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. |
