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GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid, extremely
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub
Height
:
0.7 m-1.2 m
Spread
:
0.5 m-1 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white, light
purple
Size
:
2.5 cm
Period
:
March -
November
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.8 cm
The Chocolate Plant, while commonly more purple than chocolate-brown in colour, is an upright
shrub, up to 1 metre high; it originates from Mexico. Owing to its attractive foliage, it is seen
more and more in gardens and parks in Arriyadh. The dark-green, shiny, oval leaves are brightly
coloured with red veins, and the undersides are purple. Also very often seen is the variegated
form, P. a. variegatum, which has waxy-looking leaves in hues of pale grey-green, rose-pink and
white. The spotted, tubular-shaped white, pink or purple flowers are borne on short, terminal
spikes and bloom for most of the year. The plant grows best in bright, indirect sunlight, is fairly
frost-resistant and prefers some humidity. P. atropurpureum requires a fertile, well-drained but
moist or sandy, alkaline soil, and should be watered regularly. Plants require fertilising every few
weeks during the spring and summer. Propagation is by greenwood or hardwood cuttings. Prone
to spider mites; nematodes, scale and thrips can also be a problem. The Chocolate Plant is an at-
tractive plant for patios, garden borders and containers. It can also be used in parks, mass-planted
or grown as a low hedge. It requires only a little extra care to maintain its appearance.
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Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum,
Acanthaceae
Chocolate Plant,
Purple False Eranthemum