Description
Hemigraphis colorata is a tropical perennial herb chiefly grown as an ornamental plant. In folk medicine, the leaves are ground into a paste and applied on fresh cut wounds to promote wound healing and used to treat anaemia. In Kerala, the plant is popular in the name «murikootti» because of its incredible potency to heal wounds. Hemigraphis means «half writing» because the filament of the outer stamen bear brushes.
The plant Hemigraphis colorata commonly called as Purple Waffle Plant belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is a prostrate growing plant with spreading, rooting stems. Its stainy leaves are slender and lance shaped with toothed, scalloped or lobed margins. They are greyish green stained with red purple above and darker purple beneath. The tiny white flowers grow intermittently throughout the year. This plant reaches a height of 15 – 30 cm and has an indefinite spread. It is claimed in folk medicine that the plant has very good wound healing activity.
Hemigraphis colorata is primarily valued as a ground cover or container plant for its puckered and colorful foliage. It is often planted as a carpet plant or ground cover in gardens. Once established, the species grows forming large dense carpets. The plant can be easily reproduced by vegetative means (cuttings or clump division). The plant tolerates submerged roots, but it’s not a true aquatic plant, and will survive only short periods submersed.
Growing Conditions: Average or above average warmth in summer. Keep fairy cool in winter – minimum temperature 18°C. Bright light – avoid direct sunshine. Grow in soilless or soil-based potting mix. Water freely from spring to autumn – sparingly in Winter. Use tepid water. Mist leaves frequently, especially in hot weather. Take stem cuttings in spring. Use a rooting hormone and provide bottom head.
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