Strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana

Native from Bangladesh through Myanmar to Thailand, Strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana is a tropical subshrub known as Persian shield. Its strongly variegated foliage combines metallic purple, silvery pink, and dark green tones, while short spikes produce small pale purple flowers. Young leaves display the most vivid contrasting bands along their veins. Photographed in Colombia.