Status:
valid
Authors:
(Leonard) Ramamoorthy
Source:
tro
Year:
1989
Citation Micro:
Syst. Bot. 14(2): 151. 1989
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001044910
Common Names
- Poikilacanthus capitatus
- Capitatus
- Capitatus Plant
Description
Poikilacanthus capitatus (also called Purple Poikilacanthus, among many other common names) is a small evergreen shrub native to Madagascar. It has ovate leaves and small, purple flowers. It grows in dry forests, grasslands, and rocky outcrops.
Uses & Benefits
Poikilacanthus capitatus is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used to attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Poikilacanthus capitatus has small white flowers with yellow centers and a long, thin stem. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are thin and delicate.
Cultivation and Propagation
Poikilacanthus capitatus is an evergreen shrub that can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is best propagated from cuttings taken in spring or summer. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems and placed in a moist medium. They should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they have rooted. Once rooted, the cuttings can be potted up and grown on.
Where to Find Poikilacanthus capitatus
Poikilacanthus capitatus can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Species in the Poikilacanthus genus
Poikilacanthus bahiensis,
Poikilacanthus novogalicianus,
Poikilacanthus moritzianus,
Poikilacanthus macranthus,
Poikilacanthus humilis,
Poikilacanthus glandulosus,
Poikilacanthus skutchii,
Poikilacanthus capitatus,
Poikilacanthus pansamalanus,
Poikilacanthus harlingii,
Poikilacanthus tweedieanus,
Poikilacanthus pochutlensis,
Poikilacanthus foliosepalus,
Species in the Acanthaceae family
Acanthopale macrocarpa,
Acanthopale confertiflora,
Acanthopale decempedalis,
Acanthopale laxiflora,
Acanthopale madagascariensis,
Acanthopale pubescens,
Acanthopale aethiogermanica,
Acanthopale breviceps,
Acanthopale cuneifolia,
Acanthopale ramiflora,
Acanthopale perrieri,
Acanthopale humblotii,
Acanthopsis carduifolia,
Acanthopsis disperma,
Acanthopsis glauca,
Acanthopsis hoffmannseggiana,
Acanthopsis horrida,
Acanthopsis scullyi,
Acanthopsis spathularis,
Acanthopsis disperma,
Acanthopsis tuba,
Acanthopsis ludoviciana,
Acanthopsis adamanticola,
Acanthopsis dispermoides,
Acanthopsis erosa,
Acanthopsis dregeana,
Acanthopsis tetragona,
Acanthopsis glandulopalmata,
Acanthopsis insueta,
Acanthopsis nitida,
Acanthopsis pagodiformis,
Acanthopsis glabra,
Acanthopsis villosa,
Acanthus austromontanus,
Acanthus greuterianus,
Acanthus kulalensis,
Acanthus arboreus,
Acanthus carduaceus,
Acanthus caroli-alexandri,
Acanthus caudatus,
Acanthus dioscoridis,
Acanthus ebracteatus,
Acanthus eminens,
Acanthus flexicaulis,
Acanthus gaed,
Acanthus guineensis,
Acanthus hirsutus,
Acanthus hungaricus,
Acanthus ilicifolius,
Acanthus latisepalus,