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Chrysothemis pulchella (Donn ex Sims) Decne.
| Family Name: | Gesneriaceae |
| Common Name: | Copper Leaf, Sunset Bells, Squarestem, 金红花 |
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Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Maximum Height | 0.5 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.2 m to 0.3 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Panama |
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Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | Large, leathery leaves are elliptic to ovate with a toothed leaf margin. The upper surface is dark green with a coppery tint, while the underside is purple. |
|---|---|
| Stems | The thick, succulent stems are erect and upright. |
| Flowers | Chrysothemis pulchella bears showy, bright yellow flowers with red streaks. They are surrounded by long-lasting, bright orange-red bracts that resemble bell-shaped flowers. The bracts become even brighter when the flowers die. |
| Cultivation | Chrysothemis pulchella prefers filtered sunlight and requires regular watering. The soil must be kept moist at all times. However, it must be planted in a well-drained soil, otherwise, the roots have the tendency to rot. A monthly feed of liquid seaweed fertlizer promotes optimal growth. |
| Etymology | The species epithet "pulchella" is a Latin word which means pretty. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Orange, Yellow / Golden |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 517 |
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| Species ID | 1813 |
| 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. |
