Gynura aurantiaca (Blume) DC.
Summary
Purple velvet plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is a herb up to 0.6 meters tall from the Asteraceae family native to Java, Sulawesi, and Sumatra, now introduced as far as Colombia and Vietnam. Its uniquely velvety purple leaves and stems make it a popular hanging basket ornamental. Research shows purple velvet plant has potential as an antibacterial agent effective against Streptococcus mutans.
Agroecology
Purple velvet plant grows well in bright but indirect light or partial shade where direct sunlight in a day is only 2-6 hours. The leaves produce better color under better light conditions. Prefers fertile loamy soil with good drainage and moisture.
Morphology
- Stem straight, purple hairy.
- Leaves green, ovate to elliptic with a toothed margin. Leaf surface covered with bright purple hairs.
- Flowers orange-yellow, with a corymb-type inflorescence.
Cultivation
Plant propagation is vegetative using stem cuttings.
Chemical Content
Saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols.
Benefits
Potentially antibacterial (effective in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans).
Local Names
Umpyung.
Reference Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens. 2021. Plants of the World Online: Gynura aurantiaca (Blume) DC.. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:211219-1. 04-11-2021.
- Flora Fauna Web. 2021. Gynura aurantiaca. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/0/2052. 04-11-2021.
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Gynura aurantiaca. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/gynura-aurantiaca/. 04-11-2021.
- Anggariny H., Manggo I. M. 2017. UJI EFEKTIFITAS SEDIAAN OBAT KUMUR EKSTRAK DAUN UMPYUNG (Gynura aurantiaca O.C) TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN Streptococcus mutans. Majalah Farmasi Nasional, 14(1), 32-38. Retrieved from https://uit.e-journal.id/MFN/article/view/116.