Description
Elatostema variegatum (also called Chinese Elatostema, among many other common names) is an evergreen, perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm tall. It is native to China, India, and Southeast Asia, and is found in forests, grasslands, and along roadsides. It has ovate to lanceolate leaves and small, white flowers.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Elatostema variegatum has small, white flowers with four petals. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings have oval-shaped leaves with a reddish-purple coloration.
Cultivation and Propagation
Elatostema variegatum is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that grows in dense patches. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. Propagation is usually done by division of the rhizomes or by stem cuttings. It can also be propagated from seed, but this is not recommended as the seedlings are slow to establish.