Reportedly a favourite of Thomas Jefferson – third US President and keen gardener, this East Asian shrub bears attractive spotted flowers that literally roll up after pollination, and transform into explosive capsules with shiny black seeds. The sword-like leaves may be cooked and eaten like a vegetable. In traditional chinese medicine, the reportedly ‘cooling’ roots and rhizomes are used to treat coughs and sore throats.

Editorial Team

• Editor:
• Melanie Wee

• Contributors:
• Huang Rui Lin
• Adeline Chong
• Chen Hsin Yeow

• Koh Soon Kiong
• Robert Teo

• Shirley Ling
• Wilson Wong