Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Brazil |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A herbaceous shrub with a rosette growth form. It spreads via offshoots from stolons. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are linear and stiff. The leaf margins are covered with spines which curve in both directions, towards the leaf apex and towards the leaf base. The leaves in the center turn bright orange-red when a flower inflorescence is developing. |
| Flowers | The flowers are borne on terminal inflorescence. The individual flowers are small, maroon with white margins. |
| Fruit | The fruits are elliptical berries, turn yellow when mature. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Fruits, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Leaf |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting (Flowers) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stolon / Runner |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Maroon |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32850 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7264 |
| 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. |
