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Peristrophe bivalvis (L.) Merr.
| Family Name: | Acanthaceae |
| Synonyms: | Peristrophe roxburghiana (Schult.) Bremek., Peristrophe tinctoria Nees, Justicia roxburghiana Schult. |
| Common Name: | Peristrophe, Magenta Plant, Noja, 红丝线, 六角英 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Asia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Cryptogenic |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A perennial herb, it can grow up to 1m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its simple leaves are ovate to lance-shaped, 3 - 14.5cm long and 1.5 - 5.3cm wide, arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. |
| Flowers | The flowers are borne in clusters at the tip of the stems. Each flower consists of 2 pink coloured petals. The lower petal is broadly ovate-elliptic while the upper petal is oblong, narrower than the lower petal and 3-lobed. |
| Fruit | The fruit is a club-shaped to elliptical capsule. |
| Habitat | It is usually found growing along streams in forests. But in places where it is cultivated, it can be found in thickets and coconut groves. |
| Cultivation | It is best grown under partial sun, in moist and well-drained soil. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice) Medicinal: A poultice made from pounded leaves is said to relieve skin complaints in traditional medicine. Timber & Products: A red dye can be extracted from the leaves and is used in Indonesia to colour cotton and mats. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1033 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2327 |
| 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. |