Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt.
Vernacular name: Purple Heart, Purple Queen
Species Name: Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt.
Family: Commelinaceae
Habit: Evergreen trailing perennial succulent
Stem: Fleshy, hairless, purple, rooting at nodes
Leaf: Alternate, lanceolate-oblong; glossy deep purple
Flowering: Sporadic summer-autumn
Flowers: Small axillary clusters; 3 rose-pink petals; yellow anthers; green sepals
Fruit: Tiny 3-valved capsule
Uses:
- Various traditional or folk practices of Malaysia and Taiwan uses leaf sap for its anti-inflammatory, antitoxic and antioxidant properties owing to rich content of flavonoids that helps in treatment of various skin disorders and also support blood circulation.
- Poultices of leaves are applied externally to soothe eye irritations and sore eyes.
- It is also known as “Purple Spiderwort“ and is a popular houseplant, purple carpet like groundcover and shaded landscape beds. Plant has invasive potential in tropics.
- Plant can also be grown in window boxes, pots or hanging planters and as indoor plant near sunny or filtered-light windows.
- As an indoor plant, it helps to filter and reduce volatile organic pollutant and purify room air.
- Plant acts as an indicator of soil and air contamination and also help in restoration of soil quality by absorbing certain minerals.
