It is a monocotyledon shrub, which can reach 3m tall. It has few branches. It is native of India. It is widely planted in gardens.
These plants have large oblong leaves patterned in red or green. The size of leaf is about 30x7cm; the midrib of the leaf is very conspicuous. The leaflet is about 10-15cm long.
Branches of small flowers grow in groups from the leaf axils; they are pale red, white or violet in color. The flowers are shaped like tubes. However, they are not very conspicuous. The fruits are fleshy and red in color, but small.
It can be used as medicine for enteritis, dysentery and traumatic
injury.
