Back
Michaelmoelleria vietnamensis F.Wen, Z.B.Xin & T.V.Do
| Family Name: | Gesneriaceae |
| Common Name: | Vietnam Violet |
This species from Vietnam is the only one in its genus Michaelmoelleria which was created in 2020. It is popular for its variegated foliage and purple, trumpet-shaped flowers which has led to overharvesting from its natural forest habitat and is now critically endangered.
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 | Compact |
| Maximum Height | 10 cm |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Compact herbaceous plant up to 10 cm tall. |
|---|---|
| Roots | It produces tubers unlike most other gesneriad species native to Europe, Asia or Africa. |
| Foliage | Ellipsoid leaves are green with silver spots. |
| Flowers | Light purple, trumpet-shaped flowers have a yellow throat. They last for about 2 weeks. |
| Habitat | It occurs in broad-leaved forests occuring on granitic hills in the mountains. |
| Cultivation | It grows best at cooler temperatures (21-27 degrees Celsius) in bright, indirect light and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Try to keep the leaves dry through bottom-watering (temporarily placing the pot in a shallow dish of water until the soil absorbs the water). |
| Etymology | The specific epithet 'vietnamensis' refers to the species origin which is Southern Vietnam. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Silver / Grey, Patterned |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette, Alternate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate, Elliptical) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Obtuse |
| Foliar Base | Cordate, Cuneate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Trumpet-shaped |
| Inflorescence Type | Cyme |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 34415 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8828 |