Status:
valid
Authors:
Benoist
Source:
tro
Year:
1927
Citation Micro:
Bull. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. 33: 532 (1927)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001045577
Common Names
- Polka Dot Plant
- Freckle Face Plant
- Measles Plant
Description
Hypoestes transversa (also called Cross-leaved Hypoestes, among many other common names) is an evergreen perennial shrub that is native to Madagascar. It has lance-shaped leaves and produces pink and white flowers. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Uses & Benefits
Hypoestes transversa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used for its medicinal properties to treat skin diseases, fever, and stomach ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Hypoestes transversa has small, white flowers with yellow centers and small, dark brown seeds. The seedlings are small and slender with light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Hypoestes transversa is a fast-growing, herbaceous perennial that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and placed in a moist rooting medium. Both methods should be kept in a warm, humid environment until the plants are established.
Where to Find Hypoestes transversa
Hypoestes transversa can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Species in the Hypoestes genus
Hypoestes aldabrensis,
Hypoestes andamanensis,
Hypoestes aristata,
Hypoestes cancellata,
Hypoestes carnosula,
Hypoestes celebica,
Hypoestes confertiflora,
Hypoestes decaisneana,
Hypoestes discreta,
Hypoestes fastuosa,
Hypoestes floribunda,
Hypoestes forsskaolii,
Hypoestes halconensis,
Hypoestes inconspicua,
Hypoestes involucrata,
Hypoestes kjellbergii,
Hypoestes kuntzei,
Hypoestes lanata,
Hypoestes larsenii,
Hypoestes malaccensis,
Hypoestes merrillii,
Hypoestes mindorensis,
Hypoestes mollior,
Hypoestes palawanensis,
Hypoestes phyllostachya,
Hypoestes poilanei,
Hypoestes polythyrsa,
Hypoestes populifolia,
Hypoestes psilochlamys,
Hypoestes pubescens,
Hypoestes pubiflora,
Hypoestes radicans,
Hypoestes rodriguesiana,
Hypoestes rosea,
Hypoestes salajeriana,
Hypoestes salensis,
Hypoestes serpens,
Hypoestes sparsiflora,
Hypoestes strobilifera,
Hypoestes subcapitata,
Hypoestes tenuifolia,
Hypoestes tenuis,
Hypoestes teysmanniana,
Hypoestes triflora,
Hypoestes vidalii,
Hypoestes purpurea,
Hypoestes cumingiana,
Hypoestes potamophila,
Hypoestes comorensis,
Hypoestes corymbosa,
Species in the Acanthaceae family
Acanthopale macrocarpa,
Acanthopale confertiflora,
Acanthopale decempedalis,
Acanthopale laxiflora,
Acanthopale madagascariensis,
Acanthopale pubescens,
Acanthopale aethiogermanica,
Acanthopale breviceps,
Acanthopale cuneifolia,
Acanthopale ramiflora,
Acanthopale perrieri,
Acanthopale humblotii,
Acanthopsis carduifolia,
Acanthopsis disperma,
Acanthopsis glauca,
Acanthopsis hoffmannseggiana,
Acanthopsis horrida,
Acanthopsis scullyi,
Acanthopsis spathularis,
Acanthopsis disperma,
Acanthopsis tuba,
Acanthopsis ludoviciana,
Acanthopsis adamanticola,
Acanthopsis dispermoides,
Acanthopsis erosa,
Acanthopsis dregeana,
Acanthopsis tetragona,
Acanthopsis glandulopalmata,
Acanthopsis insueta,
Acanthopsis nitida,
Acanthopsis pagodiformis,
Acanthopsis glabra,
Acanthopsis villosa,
Acanthus austromontanus,
Acanthus greuterianus,
Acanthus kulalensis,
Acanthus arboreus,
Acanthus carduaceus,
Acanthus caroli-alexandri,
Acanthus caudatus,
Acanthus dioscoridis,
Acanthus ebracteatus,
Acanthus eminens,
Acanthus flexicaulis,
Acanthus gaed,
Acanthus guineensis,
Acanthus hirsutus,
Acanthus hungaricus,
Acanthus ilicifolius,
Acanthus latisepalus,