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Coleus hadiensis (Forssk.) A.J.Paton
| Family Name: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
| Synonyms: | Plectranthus hadiensis (Forssk.) Schweinf. ex Sprenger |
| Common Name: | Vicks Plant, Hairy Coleus |
This semi-succulent has softly hairy, egg-shaped to almost round leaves. It is an easy-to-grow, ornamental plant.
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 |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 1 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Egypt to South Africa, Southwestern Arabian Peninsula, Maldives, Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Perennial herb up to 1.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Egg-shaped to almost round leaves are densely hairy (10.5 cm long, 3.5-10 cm wide). |
| Flowers | Mauve to purple, occasionally white, tubular, 2-lipped flowers (1.5 cm long) are arranged in whorls along a simple inflorescence up to 0.5 m high. |
| Cultivation | It grows best outdoors in bright, indirect light and well-drained soil, such as potting soil amended with sand or perlite. Allow the top 2-3 cm soil to dry slightly before re-watering. Feed once a month with a balanced liquid fertiliser. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Fragrant (Foliage) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden, Rockery / Desert Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate, Fast to Moderate |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate, Orbicular / Round) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Rounded |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
| Typical Foliar Area | Mesophyll ( 45cm2 - 182.25 cm2 ) |
| Typical Foliar Size | 10.5 cm |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple, Pink, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Labiate / Lipped, Tubular |
| Flower Size | 1.5 cm |
| Inflorescence Size | 0.5 m |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 34378 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8791 |
| 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. |
