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 | 0.3 m to 1 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Tropical Asia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Perennial herb with erect growth form up to 1 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are round to broadly ovate. |
| Stems | Stems are tomentose, covered in matted woolly hairs. |
| Flowers | Purple flowers are arranged in stacks of whorl-like clusters of 10 or more, forming a spike inflorescence which is 4-6.5 cm long and 1.5-1.8 cm wide. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice) Medicinal: The plant is traditionally used in aromatherapy to treat anxiety and nervous disorders. It is also used as an aphrodisiac and antidepressant. The roots are used to treat rheumatism while a poultice of leaves is used for headaches and bilious fevers. Others: An essential oil obtained from the leaves are used in soaps and perfumes. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Fragrant (Foliage) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Bulging in between Veins |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate, Orbicular / Round) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Irregularly Incised |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute, Obtuse |
| Foliar Base | Cuneate, Attenuate |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30548 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4857 |
| 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. |
