Introduction
Hemigraphis colorata is a low-creeping perennial herb native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia. It's highly valued for its striking, colorful foliage, making it a popular ornamental plant. It's often used as a groundcover in tropical gardens and as a hanging plant or terrarium plant indoors. The plant is also known for its use in traditional medicine.
Names in Different Countries
India: In the state of Kerala, it's widely known as Murikootti or Muriyan Pacha, both of which mean "wound healer" in Malayalam.
Malayalam: The name Vranaropani is used in Ayurveda, which translates to "wound healer" in Sanskrit.
Indonesia: It is used to promote urination and to treat dysentery and hemorrhoids.
Vanuatu: In this Pacific island nation, the plant is used as a traditional contraceptive.
Terminology & Synonyms
The plant is commonly referred to by several names, reflecting its distinctive appearance. These include Red Flame Ivy, Purple Waffle Plant, Metal Leaf, and Cemetery Plant. The botanical name Hemigraphis colorata is often used interchangeably with its synonym, Strobilanthes alternata. It's important to note this as both names refer to the same plant.
Availability
Hemigraphis colorata is widely available at nurseries, garden centers, and online plant shops due to its popularity as an ornamental plant. It's often sold as a houseplant for terrariums, hanging baskets, or as a groundcover. It's known for being a relatively easy-to-grow plant, making it accessible to both novice and experienced gardeners.
External Look
Hemigraphis colorata is a prostrate herb, meaning it has a spreading, creeping growth habit. Its stems can root where they touch the ground.
Leaves: The most striking feature of the plant is its leaves. They are ovate (egg-shaped) with toothed or scalloped edges and have a puckered, waffle-like texture. The upper surface is a dark green to grayish-green with a metallic, purple-blue patina, while the underside is a vibrant red-purple or deep burgundy.
Flowers: The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and white. They grow in terminal spikes.
Healing Properties & Advantages
The plant's medicinal properties have been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries. Modern scientific studies are increasingly supporting its traditional uses.
Wound Healing: This is its most well-known property. The plant contains bioactive compounds like flavonoids and tannins that help reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and accelerate the process of tissue repair.
Antioxidant Activity: The presence of phenolic compounds gives it strong antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Antimicrobial Effects: Extracts from the leaves have shown antibacterial and antifungal activity against various pathogens, including Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.
Anti-inflammatory: The plant has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in reducing swelling and pain.
Other Uses: It has also been used to treat conditions like dysentery, hemorrhoids, and certain skin infections.
Uses & Using Way
Traditional Medicine: The most common traditional use is for wound healing. The fresh leaves are crushed into a paste and applied directly to fresh cuts and wounds. The juice from the leaves is also used as a coagulant to help stop bleeding.
Ornamental Plant: It's a popular choice for adding a splash of color to gardens, especially as a low-maintenance groundcover or in hanging baskets. Its ability to thrive in high-humidity environments also makes it a favorite for terrariums and paludariums.
Conclusion
Hemigraphis colorata, also known as Red Flame Ivy or Purple Waffle Plant, is a versatile and beautiful plant with a dual identity. While its striking foliage makes it a popular ornamental, its long history in traditional medicine and the recent scientific validation of its healing properties highlight its significant ethnobotanical value. The plant's ability to heal wounds, fight microbes, and provide antioxidant benefits makes it a subject of ongoing research for potential applications in modern medicine.
