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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) |
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Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Pantropical |
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Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Description and Ethnobotany
Similar | Looks similar to Oldenlandia corymbosa O. corymbosa has inflorescences (2-8, usually 3) in axillary with peduncle (stalk of an inflorescence) 8-15mm long and pedicel (small stalk that attaches single flower to the main stem of inflorescence) 4-8mm long. O. diffusa flower grows solitary or in pairs in axillary with very short or no peduncle. |
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Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb and Spice) Medicinal ( Oldenlandia diffusa has been used by the Chinese for medicinal purpose for the treatment of colorectal cancer. A study report from Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine,NUS concluded "the ethanol extract of the herb effectively evoke cancer cell apoptosis." Besides that, it also has the function of anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation,anti-tumor,anti-virus and enhances immune system. One of most common product is oldenlandia water.) |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
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Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Easy to Grow |
Landscape Uses | Groundcover |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun |
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Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
Maintenance Requirements | Low |
Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
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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 |
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Flower Grouping | Solitary, Cluster / Inflorescence |
Flower Location | Axillary |
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 769 |
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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. |