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Hedyotis diffusa Willd.
| Family Name: | Rubiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.) Roxb. |
| Common Name: | Snake-needle grass, 白花蛇舌草 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Pantropical |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Similar | This species looks similar to Hedyotis corymbosa . Hedyotis corymbosa has 2-8 inflorescences (usually 3) each borne on a stalk in the leaf axils. The inflorescence stalk or peduncle is 8-15mm long, while the small stalk that attaches a single flower to the main stem of inflorescence (pedicel) is 4-8mm long. Hedyotis diffusa flower are solitary or paired in the leaf axils with very short or no peduncle. |
|---|---|
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice) Medicinal: Hedyotis diffusa has been used by the Chinese to treat colorectal cancer. A study report from Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS concluded "the ethanol extract of the herb effectively evoked cancer cell apoptosis." Besides that, it also has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-viral and immune system-boosting properties. One of the most common products made from this plant species is known as Oldenlandia water. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Groundcover |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Easy to Grow |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary, Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 769 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5248 |
| 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. |
