Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Tropical Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Tuberous herb to 2m tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Solitary leaf to 2m tall and a spread up to 1m wide; leaf with 3 main branches, leaflets to 10cm long by8cm wide. Petiole dull or olive green or dull brown, with white blotches at the base of the short, stiff prickles. |
| Flowers | Spathe 12-20cm long, pinkish - reddish brown or dull green throughout, or dull pale green on the inner surface. |
| Fruit | Unripe fruits white, ripening dark purplish red. |
| Habitat | In gallery forests, marshy areas and along streams. Also on sandy soils. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Pond / Lake / River, Marsh / Bog, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Marsh Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Leaf, Spines/Thorns - Flower |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Waterlogged Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Storage Organ |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Green, Green - Light Green, Pink, Red, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Inflorescence Type | Spathe & Spadix |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31985 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6387 |
| 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. |