Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | French Guiana (Northern South America, Southern America) |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A herbaceous plant with a rosette growth form. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The upperside of the leaf (adaxial surface) is green, while the underside (abaxial surface) is purplish colored. Leaves are stiff, edged with small spines. |
| Flowers | Flower stalk emerges from the center of rosette, tall and erect. The flower cluster is comprised of many bright red flowerlets. Flower petals are purplish-white. |
| Cultivation | Plants do well in partial shade in well-drained soils. Make sure there is always water in the center of the rosette form and flush the water regularly. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Small Gardens, Container Planting |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Leaf |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Division |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Purple |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Red, White, Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 308 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1604 |
| 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. |
