Palicourea colorata Seeds | Palicourea
LATIN NAME: Palicourea colorata
COMMON NAME: Palicourea, Psychotria colorata
Plant Profile
Palicourea (Palicourea colorata) is an evergreen shrub in the coffee family (Rubiaceae), native to warm forests of tropical regions of the Americas, while it has been cultivated in warm gardens and the greenhouses. Mature plants top out at about Four metres. Pollinating insects take to the flowers at once, adding a little wildlife interest to its garden value. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the coffee family regularly include Palicourea colorata in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. Palicourea has a real and distinguished place in research. It retains a following among breeders and collectors, which keeps seed stocks in circulation.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Palicourea earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Palicourea is an evergreen shrub of warm forests, bearing large, oval, bright-green leaves and clusters of small, red or orange flowers, followed by small, dark berries. To raise palicourea, sow seeds in pots of moist, open compost in a warm, shaded place, keep them gently watered, and grow little shrubs on in the warmth. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
Like the best garden herbs, it rewards growers twice: once in the garden with scent and pollinators, and again in the home as a traditional household herb.
Growing from Seed
Raising Palicourea from seed is straightforward. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Palicourea, Psychotria colorata has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Give the seed freshness and steady moisture, and nature handles the rest.
Related Reading
Readers interested in Palicourea frequently explore these as well: