| Etymology | Genus | Half (Hemi) paintbrush (graphis); referring to the brushy filaments of the outer stamens |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Creeping; referring to its form | |
| Family | Acanthaceae | |
| Synonyms | Hemigraphis primulifolia (Nees) Fern.-Vill. | |
| Common Names | Red Flame, Red lily, Waffle Plant | |
| Status | Exotic: Naturalised | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Pacific Islands | |
Diagnostics:
Hemigraphis reptans is a very common herb often found in shady areas on lawns. The dark green leaves have crenate margins and prominent dark purple veins. The underside of the leaves is purple colour.
Interesting Facts:
I have seen a very similar species with white flowers, probably a variety of the Red Flame. Unfortunately, it disppeared after a few efficient rounds of lawn mowing.
The Red Flame is very common in shady areas. Note the tiny pink flowers.
The leaves of the plant, with purplish veins.
The underside of the leaf is purple.
The margins are crenate.
The pink flowers close-up.
What look like a variety with white flowers.
References
-Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-05-04 / Modified: 2017-12-25
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