Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Indochina to Malesia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Tuberous herb to 40cm tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves 12-20cm wide, palmately lobed; lobes 5-8, ovate or lanceolate. |
| Flowers | Bracts of inflorescence green, 4.5-10cm long by 2.5-6cm wide, deltoid to cordate. Bracts organized into 2 pairs, each pair held perpendicular to the other; basal pair subtending the flowers larger than the pair held above the flowers; bracteoles (filamentous appendages) absent. Flowers 1-1.2cm across, brownish purple. |
| Fruit | Fruits fleshy, bright red when ripe, ribbed, to 1cm wide. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Fruits, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Storage Organ |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Purple, Yellow / Golden |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Brown, Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Orange, Red |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31833 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6233 |
| 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. |
