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Plumbago indica
| Family Name: | Plumbaginaceae |
| Common Name: | Scarlett Leadwort, Rosy-flowered Leadwort |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | India |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is an evergreen shrub with loose growth habit, and can grow up to 1.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Simple, ovate-shaped, alternately arranged along the stem. |
| Flowers | Inflorescence in terminal spike form, bright red colour. |
| Etymology | The genus epithet 'Plumbago' is derived from the Latin "plumbum" meaning "lead" (the metallic element). Named after a European species which was used to cure lead poisoning. The specific epithet 'indica' means from India. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb and Spice): It is said that the root improves digestion and promotes appetite. Medicinal: The plant is said to have antiseptic properties but only in small doses. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Red |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1054 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2347 |
| 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. |
