A neat little forest-floor shrub with long, glossy, deep green leaves that are crinkled and wavy along the edges. Labisia is something a little different – a calm, leafy plant that's happy in a softly lit spot where other plants might sulk.

Also known as: Kacip Fatimah, Akar Fatimah

Origins & folklore: Labisia pumila grows in the shade of tropical rainforests across South-East Asia, from Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia to Borneo, Sumatra, Java and New Guinea. In the wild, it's a small, slow-growing shrub, rarely more than half a metre tall, with tiny pink or cream flowers that hide among the leaves. Pumila is Latin for 'dwarf'.

In Malaysia, it has been treasured for generations as a traditional women's herb. Its Malay name, Kacip Fatimah, is linked to the figure of Fatimah, and women traditionally used the plant around childbirth. Today it's still widely grown and studied in Malaysia, but it's only recently started appearing as a houseplant in Europe.

Size: Delivered in a 12cm plastic nursery pot.

Care guide
•    Light: Medium to bright indirect light. A naturally shade-loving plant, so keep it well away from direct sun, which will scorch the leaves.
•    Watering: Keep the compost lightly and evenly moist, watering when the top 2cm starts to dry. Don't let it dry out completely, but never leave it standing in water.
•    Humidity & temperature: Enjoys higher humidity – a bathroom or kitchen is ideal, or stand it on a tray of damp pebbles. Happiest between 18–26°C; keep above 15°C and away from draughts.
•    Feeding: A half-strength houseplant feed once a month in spring and summer.
•    Good to know: It grows slowly and rarely needs repotting. Brown, crispy leaf edges usually mean the air is too dry.

Toxicity: No known toxicity to people or pets