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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
low (700 ppm)
Hardiness
:
+3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
annual, perennial
Height
:
0.6 m-1 m
Spread
:
0.3 m-1 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white
Size
:
0.2 cm
Period
:
May - June
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.2 cm
The Bloodleaf, picturesquely named after the colour of its leaves, is a surprisingly robust peren-
nial herb, native to Brazil, and grows well in Arriyadh, where it is often seen as a groundcover
in parks. This is an evergreen, herbaceous plant, growing to about 1 m tall and wide. It has oval,
sometimes almost circular, leaves, 2 to 6 cm long, pointed at the tip, with pronounced light red ve-
ins. Bloodleaf is planted for its varieties, which can have startling colours and markings, ranging
from purple to bright reds, magenta and orange. There are also some green varieties. The small,
woolly, mostly white flowers are usually inconspicuous. Good in bright sunlight, they are also
attractive in light shade. I. herbstii is damaged by temperatures below freezing, and a sheltered
spot is beneficial. The spectacular show of foliage colour is shown throughout the season. Plants
prefer fertile soil, but will also grow in sandy soils with good drainage as long as they are not sali-
ne. They require regular and copious watering. Easily propagated by cuttings, which root quickly
in water, plants can suffer from aphids. Bloodleaf is a highly ornamental plant, popular for its
colour and as a groundcover and border plant. It is also often seen as a pot plant. Maintenance
requirements are low, but weeding between plants and edge trimming may be necessary.
166
Iresine herbstii,
Amaranthaceae
Bloodleaf,
Beefsteak Plant