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Copper Leaf plant

Chrysothemis pulchella

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10.65, 122.233

Field Notes

Description:

Tender tropical perennial that can be grown as a houseplant or in a greenhouse. From spring to summer it is covered with very showy orange-red flowers. The bright yellow corolla, with some red striping or spotting, is about twice the length of the calyx, with a narrow tube and flaring lobes. The corolla is short-lived, lasting only a day or two, but the colored calyx is very long-lasting and decorative. Leaves are large, dark-green with brown touch, very ornamental. The stems are thick and succulent, usually upright. Forms a dense mountain of flowers and foliage. The plant forms tubers at the base of the stem, and sometimes also in the leaf axils and might get dormant if temperature gets below 60F. From this point it is somewhat hardy and can survive cool winter as low as 30-40F, but in this case all leaves and stems will vanish. Prefers filtered light and requires regular watering, soil must be moist at all times. Chrysothemis is a genus of about six species. The name is taken from mythology - Chryso Themis was a daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, of Greek mythology. Chrysothemis pulchella (beautiful) is the most widespread species, the most variable, and the one found most often in cultivation. The plants are not difficult to grow and do well under most indoor growing conditions. It makes an excellent subject for interior tropical landscapes!

Species ID Suggestions

Copper Leaf plant

Chrysothemis pulchella

Comments (3)

Thank you for the encouragement Geodalist, will certainly do that.
Extraordinarily vibrant primary colors! Thanks for "favoriting" several of my spottings, Coleen. Your collection includes many beautiful photos of specimens that deserve more complete documentation. I encourage you to add more info for each of your spottings (try to fill in all of the spaces on the "Upload a new spotting" Web page). I'm eagerly looking forward to reading more about many interesting specimens that are new to me. Keep up the good work, Coleen!

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