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Pseuderanthemum
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Pseuderanthemum

Pseuderanthemum

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NamePseuderanthemum
DescriptionStriking tropical perennial shrub prized for its spectacular ornamental foliage featuring intricate patterns of yellow, silver, and purple on dark green leaves, often with prominent net-like venation. Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, it produces delicate orchid-like white flowers with magenta-purple spots in dense clusters from summer to autumn. Growing 2-6 feet (0.6-2 m) tall, it thrives in partial shade with high humidity, making it perfect for tropical gardens, containers, and as a colorful hedge or specimen plant.
FamilyAcanthaceae
GenusPseuderanthemum
TribeJusticieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula% ☿ K(5) C(5) A2+2 G(2)

Zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical), bisexual, 5 fused sepals, 5 fused petals, 4 stamens (2 fertile + 2 staminodes), 2 fused carpels with superior ovary typical of Acanthaceae

Features
  • Name 'Pseuderanthemum' from Greek 'pseudo' (false) and 'Eranthemum' (another genus), meaning 'false Eranthemum' due to resemblance. 'False Eranthemum' highlights this similarity. Specific names like 'reticulatum' refer to net-veined leaves.
  • Flowers orchid-like, 5-petaled, white with magenta-purple spots or reddish-purple center, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) across. Arranged in dense clusters or spikes at branch tips. Blooms summer to autumn (fall), lasting 2-3 weeks. Delicate appearance.
  • Foliage highly ornamental, main attraction. Leaves oval to elliptic, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, opposite arrangement. Colors: dark green with yellow net-veining, purple, silver margins, or variegated patterns. Young leaves often more yellow, maturing to green.
  • Size: 2-6 feet (0.6-2 m) tall, 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) wide. Perennial shrub, semi-woody. Lifespan 3-5+ years. Propagated by cuttings, seeds. Fast-growing. Erect or vase-shaped growth habit.
  • Native to tropical regions: Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands (Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea), parts of South America, Central America, Mexico. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical gardens worldwide.
  • Prefers partial shade to full sun (foliage color varies with light). Requires organically rich, well-draining, consistently moist soil. High humidity preferred. Warm climate, zones 10-12. Protect from frost and cold drafts.
  • Used for mass plantings, hedges, screens, borders, containers, indoor plants. Adds vibrant foliage color to shaded areas. Relatively pest-resistant. Low allergen. Alternative to garden croton. Attracts occasional pollinators.
  • Water regularly to keep soil moist (not waterlogged). Fertilize monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer. Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Mist indoor plants for humidity. Watch for mealybugs, scale. Easy to grow.

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificPseuderanthemum
English (Alternate)False Eranthemum, Yellow-Vein Eranthemum, Golden Pseuderanthemum, Purple False Eranthemum, Purple Plant, Pastel Flower, Black Varnish Plant, Black False Eranthemum
Hindiकबूतर का फूल (Kabutar ka phul), पालकजूही (Palakjuhi), गुड़हल (Gudhal)
Tamilகோகர்ண மல்லிகை (Kokarna Malligai), புள்ளி போட்ட பூச்செடி (Pulli Potta Poochedi)
Teluguచుక్క మల్లె (chukka malle)
Malayalamചുട്ടിമുല്ല (Chuttimulla), മൽബാരി അബോലി (Malabari Aboli)
Kannadaಬಿಳಿ ಗೋರಂಟೆ (Bili Gorante)
Sanskritनहीं (nahin)
Bengaliগোকর্ণ মল্লিকা (Gokarna Mallika)
FrenchFaux Érantheme
RussianПсевдоэрантемум (Psevdoerantemum)
SpanishCarruthers' falseface
GermanFalsches Ebrantemum

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.