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Velvet plant

How to identify Velvet plant (Gynura aurantiaca)

Velvet plant, also known as Java velvet plant, Purple passion vine

Velvet plant is distinguished by its vibrant velvety foliage, with leaves and stems exhibiting a striking purple hue. The heart-shaped leaves grow densely along weak, sprawling stems, which can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain a more compact structure. Typically grown indoors, velvet plant favors bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil, although caution is advised during winter to prevent overwatering. Despite its alluring leaves, velvet plant also produces clusters of small orange-yellow flowers in the autumn, which are noted for their pungent odor and are commonly removed to enhance its visual appeal.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Vine, Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Velvet plant

1

Vibrant purple hue on leaves and stems.

2

Heart-shaped, densely packed leaves.

3

Clusters of small orange-yellow flowers with pungent odor.

4

Leaves with vivid, reddish-purple hairs.

5

Flowers in tight, rounded corymb clusters.

Velvet plantVelvet plantVelvet plantVelvet plantVelvet plant

Detailed Traits of Velvet plant

Leaf Features

The leaves of velvet plant are oval and coarsely toothed, with green surfaces that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. They are adorned with vivid, reddish-purple hairs that add a striking texture and color contrast. The leaves have toothed margins and an ovate to elliptic shape, contributing to their distinctive appearance. Their bright purple hairs cover both surfaces, making them easily recognizable and unique among foliage.

Leaf Shape

Ovate

Velvet plant Leaf Shape image
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Flower Features

The flowers of velvet plant are small and orange-yellow, clustered in a corymb inflorescence. Each flower measures approximately 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter. The petals are arranged in a tight, compact manner, giving the cluster a rounded appearance. These flowers emit an unpleasant smell, which can be notable during blooming. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer. The vibrant color and distinctive odor are key identifying features.

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Key Facts About Velvet plant

Attributes of Velvet plant
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Vine, Herb
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Orange
Fruit Color
White
Stem Color
Green
Purple
Leaf type
Evergreen
The Toxicity of Velvet plant
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Scientific Classification of Velvet plant

Family
Daisy
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Species
Velvet plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
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Distribution Map of Velvet plant

The velvet plant is native to central Africa and neighboring countries in Indonesia where it can be found in lush areas such as forests and grasslands. It has now been introduced to warm areas of Central America, India. However, it is not considered noxious or invasive in any country. In North America, it is kept as an ornamental houseplant.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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