_lowres.jpg)
Back
Coleus bellus (P.I.Forst.) P.I.Forst.
| Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
| Synonyms: | Plectranthus bellus P.I.Forst. |
| Common Name: | Lemon Sherbet Coleus |
Lemon Sherbert Coleus has attractive, softly hairy leaves with a silvery sheen. The leaves exude a lemony fragrance when brushed and can be taken as a tea infusion.
_lowres.jpg)
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Columnar |
| Maximum Height | 1.5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Australia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Herb up to 1.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Silvery, furry, lemon-scented leaves are egg-shaped with a toothed leaf margin. |
| Flowers | Small, purple, 2-lipped flowers occur in a spike inflorescence. |
| Fruit | Fruit is a nutlet. |
| Habitat | Seasonally dry tropical mountain slopes up to 810 m above sea level. |
| Associated Fauna | Pollinated by the Smooth-headed Stingless Bee (Tetragonula laeviceps) and other insects. |
| Cultivation | Fertilise every 1-3 months for plants in true ground. Regularly trim to maintain shape, prefers well-drained soils and propagate through stem cuttings. Seldom flowers in Singapore. Best grown in containers and has fast growth rate. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice): Leaves can be taken as a tea infusion. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Fragrant |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden, Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bee-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water, Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Silver / Grey, Green - Light Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Silver / Grey |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
| Typical Foliar Area | Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 ) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Individual Flower Shape | Labiate / Lipped |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Nut / Nutlet |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32553 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6965 |
| 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. |
