Edible: Leaves, Leaves - colouring, Spice, Plant - tea
A perennial herb up to 1-2 m high and spreads 1.5 m across. The stem is erect and branching. It is usually dark red and has bowl shaped leaves. The leaves can be green, red, yellow or orange and with patterns of colours. The leaves are 2.5-5 cm long. The leaf stalk is 1-5 cm long. The veins have contrasting colours. The flowers are greenish yellow. They occur in spikes at the end of branches. These can be 10-40 cm long.
A tropical plant. It grows between 500 and 2500 m altitude in the tropics near the equator. It is killed by frost. It does best in a rich, moist, well drained soil. It needs a protected sunny position. It can grow in shade. It cannot tolerate drought. It needs a temperature above 10°C. It suits hardiness zones 9-12. In Yunnan.
Common Names: Agila abaule, Angela belaube, Herbst Bloodleaf, Hong mu er, Labuinsiptaha, Mianqneil, Miyana mangkuk, Nhunghoa
Synonyms:
Achyranthes verschaffeltii Lam.;