Coleus comosus Hochst. ex Gurke APNI* Synonyms: Plectranthus ornatus Codd APNI*
Description: Decumbent to trailing succulent herb to 0.3 m tall. Unpleasant scent released when touched or crushed. Coloured multicellular sessile glands orange. Branches glandular tomentose. Does not form a distinctive tuber.
Leaves concolorous, succulent; petiole 2–10 mm long; lamina obovate to broadly obovate, 20–30(–50) mm long, 15–25(–40) mm wide, apex rounded, base cuneate, margin finely crenate-dentate in the upper half with 4–6 pairs of teeth, upper and lower surface sparsely to densely appressed pubescent (especially on nerves of lower surface) and usually with coloured multicellular sessile glands, sessile multicellular glands and often glandular hairs.
Inflorescence a racemose branch 40–60 (–90) mm long, verticillasters mostly crowded (usually except 2 at base) and 6-flowered. Pedicel erect, appressed to the stem, 3–4 mm long. Calyx c .3 mm long. Corolla bluish mauve with dark purple mottling on the upper lip, 20–25 mm long. Stamen sometimes exserted, 12–14 mm long. Style exserted, 16–19 mm long.
Fruiting calyx accrescent, to c. 6 mm long.
Flowering: throughout year.
Distribution and occurrence: Cultivated in Australia. Native from Ethiopia to Tanzania. Unconfirmed as to whether naturalised in the Sydney district. Grows in semi-shade over rocky areas in its native range.
NSW subdivisions: *CC
T.C.Wilson (April 2026)
Text by Paton A.J. (2019) Nomenclatural changes in Coleus and Plectranthus(Lamiaceae): a tale of more than two genera. PhytoKeys 129:1–158.
Taxon concept:
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data
***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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