Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
---|---|
Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Maximum Height | 0.6 m to 0.8 m |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, New Guinea |
---|---|
Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Highland / Montane |
Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | Perennial herb forming clumps up to 0.8 m tall. |
---|---|
Foliage | The shiny green, elliptic leaves are arranged in pairs with adjacent pairs perpendicular to one another (decussate leaf arrangement). |
Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The leaves have a mushroom-like flavour and crispy texture. They can be eaten raw in salads and sandwiches or cooked in soups and stews. They are rich in iron, vitamin C and beta carotene. |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
---|
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
---|---|
Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Acidic (low pH) Soils |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
---|---|
Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower Colour(s) | Blue |
---|---|
Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Flower Location | Terminal |
Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
Individual Flower Shape | Labiate / Lipped |
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 33655 |
---|---|
Species ID | 8069 |
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. |