Purple Passion Vine, Purple velvet plant, Royal velvet plant, Velvet plant
Gynura aurantiaca

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A trailing soft wooded herb. It is evergreen. It grows 2-2.4 m high and spreads 1.2 m wide. The leaves are spear shaped and scalloped along the edge. They are 20 cm long. There are purple bristles on them. The flowers are small and orange. They are 25 mm wide. They are in clusters.

There are about 40 Gynura species. They are mostly in the tropics. It is a cultivated plant.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in mixed forests and can be in sun or part shade. It can be near swamps and along streams. In Argentina it grows between 300-2,400 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Australia, China, Indonesia (country/location of origin), Malaysia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America

How it is used for food

The tender leaves are used as food. They are used in soups.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Grmičasta ginura, Perdu beludru ungu, Umyung

Synonyms

Gynura sarmentosa;