metal-leaf

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Crimson Ivy

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Blechum cordatum
• Hemigraphis colorata
• Ruellia alternata
• Hemigraphis alternata

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Following its placement in the subclass Magnoliidae and order Lamiales, it is a member of the family Acanthaceae. Finally, it is taxonomically identified under the genus Strobilanthes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct tropical regions. In West Tropical Africa, it can be found within the borders of Benin. Its presence extends to Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically in the country of Chad. Moving toward the ocean, the species is also located in the Chagos Archipelago within the Western Indian Ocean. Finally, it inhabits the Indo-China region, with recorded occurrences in both Myanmar and Thailand.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Strobilanthes alternata is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution that spans from sea level to montane environments. This species is found across a significant vertical gradient, with its presence documented from a minimum elevation of 0 m AMSL up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL. Based on these parameters, the species maintains a mean elevation of 1500 m AMSL within its ecological niche, reflecting its ability to adapt to various topographical and climatic conditions ranging from lowland plains to higher-altitude habitats.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Strobilanthes alternata is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural life form, it is classified as a hemicryptophyte, a growth habit where the perennating buds are located at the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or other organic matter during unfavorable conditions. This hemicryptophytic nature ensures its ability to regenerate and maintain its presence within its ecological niche over an extended period.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Strobilanthes alternata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb or forb, typically manifesting as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber or liana. It functions as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies and is classified as a terrestrial species, avoiding epiphytic lifestyles. The plant maintains a relatively modest stature, with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.3 m to a maximum of 0.8 m. Its habit is non-woody, which supports its development as a low-growing terrestrial herb across various environments ranging from aquatic to semiaquatic and purely terrestrial habitats.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.8 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Strobilanthes alternata is characterized by a distinct morphological structure in its foliage, which plays a critical role in its photosynthetic efficiency and environmental adaptation. The plant exhibits a significant range in leaf dimensions, with leaf length varying from a minimum of 3.5 cm to a maximum of 15 cm. Complementing this longitudinal variability, the leaf width shows a functional range between a minimum of 1.6 cm and a maximum of 6 cm. These dimensional parameters suggest a highly adaptable surface area, allowing the plant to optimize light interception and gas exchange processes according to its specific microclimate and developmental stage.

Leaf length max:

15 cm

Leaf length min:

3.5 cm

Leaf width max:

6 cm

Leaf width min:

1.6 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Strobilanthes alternata is characterized by the development of a specialized fruit type classified as a capsule. This structure functions as a dry, dehiscent fruit, meaning that upon reaching maturity, the fruit wall splits or breaks open at a predetermined line to facilitate the dispersal of its internal seeds. This dehiscence mechanism is essential for the natural release of seeds into the surrounding environment, ensuring the continuation of the species' life cycle.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Fruit type :

capsule

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Strobilanthes alternata has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition

Chemicals

Strobilanthes alternata has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Carboxylic acid, Coumarins, Flavonoids, Saponins, Steroids.

Carboxylic acid

1. Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine

Coumarins

1. Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine

Flavonoids

1. Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine

Saponins

1. Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine

Steroids

1. Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine

Tannins

1. Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine

phenol

1. Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine

Preparations

Strobilanthes alternata has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaves.

Leaves

1. Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition