Graptophyllum Nees

Timothy M. A. Utteridge and Laura V. S. Jennings (2022). Trees of New Guinea. Kew Publishing. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Distribution

A genus of about ten species from Australia, the south-western Pacific and eastern Malesia. In New Guinea four species are recorded, of which only one, Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff., can sometimes be a small tree.

Morphology General Habit

Erect shrubs or small trees up to 3 m tall

Morphology Leaves

Leaves green to dark purple, sometimes with white to yellow patches, margin entire, cystoliths present

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences terminal, narrow panicles or axillary, small cymes, bracts or bracteoles small

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers usually bisexual, usually zygomorphic (often bilabiate); calyx deeply 5-lobed, narrow; corolla dark red, widening upwards, limb 5-lobed, imbricate; upper lip convex, 2-lobed; lower lip large, 3-lobed; stamens inserted in throat, 2 anterior ones fertile, somewhat shorter than the upper lip, 2 posterior usually reduced, basally adnate to the anterior ones; anther 2 thecae, held at an equal level; ovary 2 ovules; style stigma 2-lobed

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruits an oblong capsule, with a stipitiform base

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seeds often 2, orbicular.

Ecology

Found growing in secondary vegetation, often cultivated and naturalised in abandoned habitations, from sea level to 1000 m.

Recognition

Graptophyllum pictum can be easily recognised by the colourful patterned leaves which are opposite and entire; the flowers are dark red with only 2 fertile stamens.