Scientific Name  

 Callisia fragrans  

 

   

Common Name

Inch plant

  

   

Taxonomy  

    

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Magnoliophyta

Class: Liliopsida

Order: Commelinales

Family: Commelinaceae

Genus: Callisia

Species: fragrans

Reference for Systematics: http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu

Description

This plant is a native of Mexico. Callisia fragrans is a low growing plant that has waxy leaves that have a slight purplish color underneath. This is a good groundcover for mild, moderately dry climates. Callisia fragrans has shiny, green leaves that will turn purplish at the edges when placed in strong light. It has small, white fragrant flowers. It is a perennial monocot that develops into a vine. The flowers are white and arranged in clusters of three. Leaves alternate, usually glabrous, to 25 cm (10") long; elliptic, but with bases subamplexicaul. Inflorescences terminal panicles with crowded branches each having a pair of sessile flowers subtended by papery bracts. Flowers small, fragrant; petals 6, white, less showy than the stamens; stigma brush-like.

Reference for Descriptive Information: http://www.botany.com/callisia.html

Picture taken from: www.plantcare.com/cgi-local/Nick.pl

Distribution and Habitat

Callisia fragrans can be found in its native habitat of Mexico where it is often cultivated as a hanging basket.

Picture taken from: http://virtualmex.com/map.html

 Cultural Information

  

Soil ·   The soil must be rich in nutrients and well-drained.

Water requirement ·The soil must be kept moist; watering must occur daily.

Light · This plant fluorishes in partial shade.
  Humidity · The air is somewhat humid, around 45 to 60 % humidity.
  Temperature ·A minimum temperature of 55-60 degrees is required, optimum conditions occur around 70-80 degrees.
  Other ·When the plant has develped a good root system, diluted liquid fertilizer can be fed at weekly intervals.

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Reference for Cultural Information: http://www.botany.com
  

Picture take from: www.clipart.com

  

Propagation Methods   

This plant should be repotted in the spring. Propagation methods should be one of the following:

Division

Cuttings

Seeding

It is best to propagate andy type of cuttings in a mixture of moist peat and perlite.

Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag and secured by a rubber band to prevent moisture from escaping.

Place in indirect sunlight or under a fluorescent light. Repot in its regular mix after it has been growing for a while.

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References for Propagation Methods: http://www.plantcare.com/cgi-local/Nick.pl

Uses/ Fun Facts

  

   Care and Tips:

Mist occasionally with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining.

Prune any long stems and pinch back occasionally. Repot in the spring.

An ideal plant for a hanging basket.

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References for Uses and Fun Facts: www.plantcare.com

Picture taken From: www.clipart.com

 General References

www.plantcare.com

www.botany.com

www.virtulmex.com

http://doacs.state.fl.us.html

http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu

www.hear.org

www.clipart.com

 

   

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Image References:   

URL specified below each image.

  

This page was developed by:   

Jill Montgomery

W&J Class of 2002  

   

Last revised on 30 April 2001