Geophila repens
Common Name: Snake Pennywort, Pegaga Ular
Growth Requirements (including habitat): It grows in open, or shaded, damp places in the understorey of forests, secondary growth, and vegetation near the sea. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils. It occurs locally in Kampong Glam, Makeway Avenue, and Fort Canning Park.
Habit (Herb/Shrub/Treelet/Tree): It is a creeping herb, with upright branches up to about 0.08 m tall. Its opposite, stalked leaves have leaf blades that are heart-shaped, and 1.3–3.8 cm long and wide. It has white, trumpet-shaped flowers, up to 1.5 cm long, and found 1–3 together at the ends of slender stalks. Its pea-sized fruits are bright orange-red berries with narrow sepals on its tip.
Uses: It is grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive, bright orange red berries. It also possesses medicinal properties; the plant is applied to sore legs as a poultice, while taking the plant can also treat diarrhoea.
Interesting Information: The leaves are oppositely arranged, rounded with a heart-shaped base.