Red flame

Red flame, Gempur batu

Hemigraphis reptans

A small creeper that grows close to the ground, usually in shady areas. It has oval leaves covered in rough hairs and growing out of the stem base. The undersides of the leaves are reddish or dark purple. A small, pale purple flower blooms from the central stem.

Status: Introduced (Pacific islands)

Habit: Annual herbaceous

Cultivation: Planted by seeds or transplanting

Ecological Function: Attracts pollinators, ground cover, host plant for butterflies (Junonia hedonia)

Pollinators:  Large bees, small bees, butterflies, wasps and flies

Soil: Sand, clay, loam, organic soils

Moisture: Damp or well-drained soil

Shade: Shade, partial shade