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Codonanthe gracilis (Mart.) Hanst.
| Family Name: | Gesneriaceae |
| Synonyms: | Codonanthe picta Lem., Codonanthe ventricosa (Vell.) Hoehne, Columnea gracilis (Mart.) Kuntze, Hypocyrta gracilis Mart. |
Codonanthe gracilis is a trailing plant ideal in container planting or hanging baskets for its cascading effect and has attractive white flowers and orange berries. This woody perennial loves indirect sunlight on well-drained soil.
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Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Weeping / Pendulous |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Brazil |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Trailing woody herb with stems to 2m in length |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves dark green, ovate, 1.5-3 cm long by 1-2 cm wide, upper surface dark green, under surface light green. |
| Flowers | Corolla lobes white, corolla tube 1.5-2cm long, white, in some specimens with scattered reddish brown specks at the base of the corolla tube next to the calyx; throat tinged bright - dull dark yellow, sparsely or densely spotted with reddish brown specks. |
| Fruit | Calyx persistent in fruit; berries ripening bright orange, sparsely hairy; 0.5-0.8cm in diameter. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Fruits, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Planting Remarks | Prefers a cooler growing environment (preferably below 28'c) and will grow reasonably well in an air conditioned area if the soil/ growing media is kept moist. Care should be taken to avoid over watering as this can cause the roots to rot. |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Green - Light Green |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Brown, Red, White, Yellow / Golden, Patterned |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thin |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31708 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6107 |
| 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. |