Cemetery plant, Metal leaf, Metallic plant, Purple waffle plant, Red ivy, Red-flame ivy
Synonym(s)
:
Hemigraphis colorata (Blume) H. G. Hallier, Ruellia colorata Blume, Ruellia alternata Burm. f.
Family
:
Acanthaceae
General Info
Description
A creeping perennial herb, entirely purplish except the whitish (but purple-streaked) corollas. Leaves bronzy-purple above, reddish-purple beneath, ovate, subcordate, serrate-crenate, 2-8 cm long, on petioles nearly as long as the blades. Spikes erect, 2-3 cm long bracteate, bracts purple, crowded, 1 cm long, overlapping, calyx purple, lobes 5, narrow, less than 1 cm long; corolla 2 cm long. Capsule slender; seeds 4-20.
The plant is used for treatment in dysentery where blood is passed, and for haemorrhoids. The leaves are consumed as a cure for gall-stones, taken in a decoction for excessive menstruation and used externally for skin complaints.
Health Remedies 
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