Strobilanthes alternata
Strobilanthes alternata (synonym Hemigraphis alternata), may be known as red ivy, red-flame ivy, or waffle plant, is a member of the family Acanthaceae native to Java.[1] It is a prostrate plant with purple colored leaves.
| Strobilanthes alternata | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Acanthaceae |
| Genus: | Strobilanthes |
| Species: | S. alternata |
| Binomial name | |
| Strobilanthes alternata (Burm.f.) Moylan ex J.R.I.Wood | |
| Synonyms | |
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Description
Strobilanthes alternata is an herb that grows near 30 cm (12 in) long. The stems of the plant are prostrate and purplish, especially at the nodes. The leaves are hairy and opposite, and one leaf of a pair is much larger than the other. The leaf blades are a dark green on the top face and are a lighter green or purplish on the lower face. The flowers of the plant grow from where the leaf meets the stem, and are white with purple penciling.[2]
Uses
In Indonesia, Strobilanthes alternata is used to promote urination, check and heal hemorrhages, stop dysentery, and treat venereal diseases.[2]
The plant is popular in the United States and rarely the United Kingdom to use in hanging baskets for gardens.[3]
References
- http://www.globinmed.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104442:hemigraphis-colorata&catid=199&Itemid=139
- Christophe Wiart (2006). Medicinal Plants of the Asia-Pacific: Drugs for the Future?. World Scientific. p. 553. ISBN 9789814480338.
- D. G. Hessayon (1996). The House Plant Expert (illustrated ed.). Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. p. 157. ISBN 9780903505352.
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