Tradescantia zebrina
Encyclopedia
Tradescantia zebrina, formerly known as Zebrina pendula, is a species of spiderwort more commonly known as an inch plant or wandering jew
, native to the Gulf Coast region of eastern Mexico. The common name is shared with closely related varieties T. fluminensis
and T. pallida
.
-patterned leaves
, the upper surface showing purple new growth and green older growth parallel to the central axis, as well as two broad silver-colored stripes on the outer edges, with the lower leaf surface presenting a deep uniform magenta.
and groundcover
. Propagated by cuttings, this plant can be moved or manipulated easily as its runners cling lightly to the ground (if used as cover). It tends to become an Invasive species
if not properly maintained.
in the region of Tabasco
, as a cold herbal tea, which is named Matali.
Also commonly used as a lubricant in China
.
skin irritation
may result from repeated contact with or prolonged handling of the plant — particularly from the clear, watery sap
(a characteristic unique to T. zebrina as compared with the other aforementioned types).
Wandering Jew (disambiguation)
The Wandering Jew is a character from Christian folklore.Wandering Jew can also refer to:* Le Juif Errant , an 1844 novel by Eugène Sue...
, native to the Gulf Coast region of eastern Mexico. The common name is shared with closely related varieties T. fluminensis
Tradescantia fluminensis
Tradescantia fluminensis is a species of spiderwort native to South America. It is one of several plants known by the common name Wandering Jew. It is also known as River Spiderwort, Small-Leaf Spiderwort, Inch Plant, Wandering Trad and Wandering Willie.T...
and T. pallida
Tradescantia pallida
Tradescantia pallida is a species of spiderwort more commonly known as Wandering Jew, a name it shares with the closely related species T. fluminensis and T. zebrina. Other common names include Purple Heart and Purple Queen. It is native to the Gulf Coast region of eastern Mexico...
.
Description
Tradescantia zebrina has attractive zebraZebra
Zebras are several species of African equids united by their distinctive black and white stripes. Their stripes come in different patterns unique to each individual. They are generally social animals that live in small harems to large herds...
-patterned leaves
Leaf
A leaf is an organ of a vascular plant, as defined in botanical terms, and in particular in plant morphology. Foliage is a mass noun that refers to leaves as a feature of plants....
, the upper surface showing purple new growth and green older growth parallel to the central axis, as well as two broad silver-colored stripes on the outer edges, with the lower leaf surface presenting a deep uniform magenta.
Cultivation
It is commonly available and used as a houseplantHouseplant
A houseplant is a plant that is grown indoors in places such as residences and offices. Houseplants are commonly grown for decorative purposes, positive psychological effects, or health reasons such as indoor air purification...
and groundcover
Groundcover
Groundcover refers to any plant that grows over an area of ground, used to provide protection from erosion and drought, and to improve its aesthetic appearance .- Ecosystem :...
. Propagated by cuttings, this plant can be moved or manipulated easily as its runners cling lightly to the ground (if used as cover). It tends to become an Invasive species
Invasive species
"Invasive species", or invasive exotics, is a nomenclature term and categorization phrase used for flora and fauna, and for specific restoration-preservation processes in native habitats, with several definitions....
if not properly maintained.
Medicinal
Is commonly used in southeast MexicoMexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
in the region of Tabasco
Tabasco
Tabasco officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Tabasco is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 17 municipalities and its capital city is Villahermosa....
, as a cold herbal tea, which is named Matali.
Also commonly used as a lubricant in China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
.
skin irritation
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a term for a skin reaction resulting from exposure to allergens or irritants . Phototoxic dermatitis occurs when the allergen or irritant is activated by sunlight....
may result from repeated contact with or prolonged handling of the plant — particularly from the clear, watery sap
Sap
Sap may refer to:* Plant sap, the fluid transported in xylem cells or phloem sieve tube elements of a plant* Sap , a village in the Dunajská Streda District of Slovakia...
(a characteristic unique to T. zebrina as compared with the other aforementioned types).
External links
- Standard Data Report: Tradescantia zebrina - Integrated Taxonomic Information System
- PLANTS Profile: Tradescantia zebrina - National Resources Conservation Service (US Department of Agriculture)
- Taxonomy Browser: Tradescantia zebrina - National Center for Biotechnology Information (US National Institutes of Health)
- Desert Tropicals - Informational database on common gardening plants, based out of Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Dave's Garden - Community website for home gardeners providing supplies, techniques, and discussion forums
- Imperium Plantae: Matali - Recipe for matali drink
- Tradescantia zebrina - WikiSpecies page