Etymology

Iresine, which means “woolly” (eirineos in Greek), refers to its seeds which are surrounded by a dense woolly fuzz. The species was named herbstii in honour of mister Herbst, famed nursery owner and plant collector.

Description and flowering period

It is a densely ramified, clump-forming herbaceous perennial reaching from 0.60 to 1.5 meter in height and up to 0.5 meter in width. The leaves are opposite, persistent and either oblong or cordate (heart-shaped). They are quite unique in that they are purple in colour and neatly marked with bright pink or red veins. The stems are similarly red, striate with pink and are ciliate at the nodes. The flowers are extremely small and borne in terminal clusters called panicles; they range from greenish-white to pale yellow. The fruits are membranous capsules.

Habitat

It requires a nutrient rich yet free-draining soil, preferably composed of silt and sand, ideally in a full sun or light shade location (it requires lots of light to keep its bright colours). It does not tolerate even the lightest frost.

Uses

Ornamental (including as a house plant).

Notes

It has been introduced to many tropical countries in which it is now naturalised. For instance, it has been present in French Polynesia as early as 1926.

Translated by: François Saint-Hillier – MNHN