Plant Chemistry

Oxalis triangularis Melbourne Purple Shamrock or Purple Oxalis is a tropical bulb that makes an interesting indoor plant in Melbourne. The colour of the foliage is a striking dark purple with a contrasting pink centre in the leaf. The shape of the leaves has given them another name as a butterfly plant. The contrast of colours in the leaves can vary depending on the intensity of the light. Too much light and the colours blend together. The flower is not the feature, but makes a lovely addition in the summer. In winter it does not die down completely, but thins its leaves out until Spring where it takes off again. Famous for quite obvious reasons, the magnificent Oxalis Triangularis has taken the World by storm for it’s showy purple butterfly like leaves and cute, delicate white flowers. But drop-dead gorgeous aesthetics isn’t the Oxalis Triangularis’ only claim to fame.  there are varieties of Oxalis (a big & diverse plant family) that are nuisance weeds...

Swiss cheese plant Scientific name: Monstera deliciosa Family: Araceae Kingdom: Plantae Order: Alismatales The Swiss chesse plant also known as Monstera adansonniToo, gets its name from heart shaped leaves Too much bright sun and the leaves will scorch. Too much shade and the leaves won't perforate. A spot that's a few feet from a window, in bright light, is ideal. Monstera plants can live up to 40 years and are considered heirloom plants. Swiss cheese plants are gorgeous vines named for the distinctive holes on their broad, green leaves. They’re native to the shadowy jungle floors of South America, where the openings in their leaves allow light to filter down to their lower shoots. They’re also known as custard plants, indian ivy, or fruit salad plants. With these relatively fast growers, you could end up with leaves that grow up to three feet wide. In the wild, some plants can routinely tower up to 20 metres high. They’re definitely deserving of their ...

Calathea roseopicta Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperm  Monocots C ommelinids Order: Zingiberales Family: Marantaceae Genus: Calathea Species: C. roseopicta Calathea roseopicta, the rose-painted calathea, is a species of plant in the family Marantaceae, native to northwest Brazil. It is a clump-forming evergreen perennial growing to 50cm. Like many plants, the Calathea enjoys bright light without direct sunlight. North, east or west facing rooms are suitable. Watering: This species enjoys being in moist soil at all times. The most common cause of a Calathea dying is overwatering, leading to root rot. Keep the soil lightly moist, rather than soggy. Other common causes of a Calathea (Goeppertia) houseplant dying are low humidity, pests, temperature stress, and underwatering. It’s all about the foliage with this one. The green elliptic leaves display pinkish colored stripes from the midrib. The midrib is also pinkish in color, although this...

Dracaena trifasciata Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperm,  Monocots Order: Asparagales Family: Asparagaceae Subfamily: Nolinoideae Genus: Dracaena Dracaena trifasciata is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo. It is most commonly known as the snake plant, Saint George's sword, mother-in-law's tongue, and viper's bowstring hemp, among other names.Until 2017, it was known under the synonym Sansevieria trifasciata. It is an evergreen perennial plant forming dense stands, spreading by way of its creeping rhizome, which is sometimes above ground, sometimes underground. Its stiff leaves grow vertically from a basal rosette. Mature leaves are dark green with light gray-green cross-banding. trifasciata means "three bundles. It is now used predominantly as an ornamental plant, outdoors in warmer climates, and indoors as a houseplant in cooler climates. It...

Pilea microphylla Scientific name: Pilea microphylla Rank: Species Higher classification: Clearweed Family: Urticaceae Kingdom: Plantae Order: Rosales Pilea microphylla also known as angeloweed,[1] artillery plant, joypowder plant. Pilea microphylla  (family: Urticaceae) is being used as folk medicine to treat several allergies/wounds in and around Malaysia peninsular especially Penang island. It is reported to possess antibacterial activity , moderate antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content and is also used for infertility, inflammations, and womb cleanser.  Growing in full sun but preferring light shade, artillery plant needs well-drained yet moist soils and should only be watered when the soil dries. Plant on 18- to 24-inch centers to establish a quick cover. Plants may be pinched occasionally to encourage bushiness but this is seldom necessary. Pilea microphylla is also called as gunpowder as propagate by stem cuttings. It is commonly known...