Dr. T. Ombrello - UCC Biology Department
Scientific
name: Gynura
‘Purple Passion’
Explanation of scientific
name:
Gynura
– from the Greek “gyne” (female) and “oura” (a tail) in reference to the
tail that extends from the female portion of the flower known as the stigma.
The Purple
Passion Plant does not have a typical binomial scientific name because it is a
hybrid cultivar between two species. Its parents are most likely
Gynura aurantiaca (native to Java) and
Gynura procumbens, also known as
Gynura sarmentosa, (native to Malaya
and the Philippine Islands). The cultivar name, ‘Purple Passion,’ reflects the
striking purple color of the foliage and stems of the plant. This hybrid
apparently inherited its purple, hairy leaves from its
aurantiaca parent and its vining habit
of growth from its procumbens parent. Its unusual appearance and ease of culture has
resulted in its becoming a popular houseplant. As a member of the large
Composite or Sunflower family of plants (Asteraceae), the Purple Passion Plant’s
close relatives include, besides sunflowers, chrysanthemums, asters, marigolds,
and even lettuce. How do plants that look so different get classified as members
of the same taxonomic family? The answer is their basic floral structure, a
composite of many small flowers clustered into a head.
The purple
appearance of this plant is actually the result of the purple pigment in the
hairs that are found on the leaves and the stems. The leaves and stems
themselves are actually more of a green color. Young leaves and stems, that have
not fully expanded, have their purple hairs very close together. This makes them
appear bright purple. As these areas enlarge the leaves and stems do not add
more hairs, and those already in place are farther apart. Therefore older leaves
and stems are not as purple. Pruning, which encourages more new shoots to
develop, results in a plant that is considerably more purple than an unpruned
specimen.
The
flowers of the Purple Passion Plant are orange in color and produced in terminal
clusters. They are interesting, but not particularly showy. Many people who grow
this plant prune the flower buds off before they open, and with good reason.
When open, they emit an objectionable odor that can be unpleasant if the plant
is growing in the confines of a home.
The
growing requirements for Purple Passion Plants can be met by most home
gardeners. Bright light, but not full sun, will produce the best purple color. A
typical potting soil and houseplant fertilizer will meet their other needs. The
plants look best in hanging baskets, so the trailing vines have room to grow.
They propagate readily from cuttings, and this is important because the plants
lose their beauty with age, as they accumulate older leaves and stems with less
vigor and duller colors. Once a new vigorous plant is established, the old one
can move to the compost pile.