With spotting that is either pink, red, rose, green or white, the Polka Dot Plant (aka Freckle Face; Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a shrub that mounds only to about 1-2 feet tall. It is popular in gardens as a perennial in the tropics or subtropics, and as an annual in areas with frost. It is also a popular terrarium or houseplant.
Looking for something colorful for a shady garden? This plant adds color all year round and is relatively fuss-free. It also makes a great addition to bouquets!
Turns out the Polka Dot Plant is a native of Madagascar, South Africa and east Asia, but has escaped cultivation and has naturalized in many other tropical and subtropical areas.
Species from the Hypoestes genus are also used throughout the world in traditional medicine for a wide variety of conditions; such as, typhoid, malaria, breast, respiratory, skin, heart, and hepatic disease.
Anthocyanins are present and have been shown to play a role in sun protection, as exposure to ozone resulted in higher anthocyanin content, especially in the red Polka Dot Plant. Scientific investigation have found antioxidant, vasorelaxant and cytotoxic activities in the Polka Dot Plant.
In a chemical investigation of the Polka Dot Plant, furanolabdane diterpenoids were discovered that exhibited potent vasorelaxant effect.
Due to their interesting structures and activity, the researchers predicted them to be promising lead compounds for the treatment of hypertension, heart disease and stroke.
They also thought that their interesting chemistry would attract synthetic and biosynthetic chemists. So, even though this Polka Dot plant is not engineered itself, it may inspire chemical engineering to counter disease.
#Madagascar#Ethnobotany#MedicinalPlants#PolkaDot#Hypertension
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.