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Coleus amboinicus 'Variegatus'
| Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
| Synonyms: | Plectranthus amboinicus 'Variegatus' |
| Common Name: | Variegated Indian Borage, Variegated Cuban Oregano, Variegated Mexican Mint, Succulent Spurflower, Country Borage |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Columnar |
| Maximum Height | 0.3 m to 0.6 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.6 m to 1.2 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Of horticultural origin. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Erect herb with a spreading growth habit up to 45 cm tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Thick, furry, green leaves are broadly ovate with a scalloped, white to cream-coloured leaf margin. Crushed leaves have an oregano-like fragrance. |
| Stems | The stem is approximately square in cross-section. |
| Flowers | Light purple to pink or white tubular flowers are 2-lipped and arranged on a spike inflorescence. In Singapore, this cultivar seldom flowers. |
| Fruit | The fruit is a light brown, smooth nutlet about 0.7 mm long and 0.5 mm wide. |
| Cultivation | This cultivar is easy-to-grow and handles hot weather well. In Singapore, it is best grown in semi-shade, but it can be grown in full sun in temperate climates. It prefers well-drained soil that is allowed to dry between watering. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Fragrant (Foliage) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Flowerbed / Border, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Shallow Media, Easy to Grow |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Green, White |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose, Bulging in between Veins, Thick |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Crenate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse, Truncate / Square |
| Typical Foliar Area | Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 ), Notophyll ( 20.25cm2 - 45 cm2 ) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, Purple, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Labiate / Lipped |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
| Flowering Opening Time | Daytime |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Few (1-5) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29409 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3718 |
| 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. |
