Thursday, March 21, 2013

Coleus, Lampunaya


Coleus, locally known as Mayana, Lampunaya, is a native of Java and wild-crafted in the Philippines.  It is an erect, branched, fleshy, annual herb, about 1 meter high.  Stems are purplish and 4-angled.  Leaves are variously blotched or colored, usually more or less hairy, ovate, 5 to 10 cm. long, rather coarsely toothed in the margins; and in the most common form uniformly velvety-purple.  Flowers are purplish, numerous, and borne in lax, terminal, simple or branched inflorescence, 15 to 30 cm. long.  Calyx is green.  More here.


 
Linking to Floral Friday Foto


9 comments:

Unknown said...

The leaves are prettier than the flowers. We have them here too as potted plants indoors.

Karen said...

The beautiful vivid foliage brightens the shade garden.

Susan said...

Beautiful leaves, such dark rich color.

Anonymous said...

Great plant for the shady areas in a garden or container. I love the different colours.
Lovely picture!!

Carver said...

The coleus is beautiful. I used to grow it as an annual here.

DeniseinVA said...

I like the composition of this photo, how you have placed the flower among the leaves. Lovely plant, very nice photo. Thanks for sharing.

lina@womens perspectives said...

Colorful leaves. Wonderfully captured, Luna.

doris said...

Gorgeous flowers!

Judy said...

I have never seen a coleus that large!!! It would be a sight!! Maybe because they have a relatively short growing season here...
I love the way your image highlights the velvet of the leaves!!!