Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 20 cm to 30 cm |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Northern Hemisphere to Central America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Grassland / Savannah/ Scrubland, Disturbed Area / Open Ground) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal, Temperate |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Perennial herb up to 0.3 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are narrowly ovate (egg-shaped) with a smooth or toothed edge and a short petiole (leaf stalk). The leaf underside is densely covered in long, white hairs. |
| Stems | Stems are often square and tinted red. They are either erect or decumbent (the base of the stem lying on the ground and the tip curving upwards). |
| Flowers | Purplish blue, 2-lipped flowers are arranged in a spike inflorescence. |
| Fruit | The fruit is composed of 4 nutlets (dry, indehiscent fruits that are one-seeded). |
| Habitat | It naturally occurs in grasslands and disturbed areas. In the UK, it is commonly found in lawns. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: In Western folk medicine, the leaves are applied to wounds to promote healing. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire, Serrate / Toothed |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Blue, Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular, Labiate / Lipped |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32005 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6407 |
| 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. |