Native to Brazil, this species makes an attractive tropical bedding or pot plant.
It grows to 24 in (60 cm) tall with a spread of 18 in (45 cm).
It has red stems and rounded purple-red leaves up to 4 in (10 cm) long, with notches at the tips and yellowish red veins.
Garden forms have a range of colors:from bright green leaves with bright yellow veins through to cultivars such as Brilliantissima with its rich purple-green leaves with beetroot-pink veins.
Cultivation: They prefer good loamy, well-drained soil and must be kept moist during the growth period. They also need bright light, with some sun, to retain the brilliant color in their leaves. Tips should be pinched out in the growing season to encourage bushy plants.
Propagate from cuttings.