Known as a weed in its native country of Mexico, Tradescantia zebrina is popular among beginner houseplant owners and a new study species for plant researchers. Named “zebrina” after its silver and purple striped leaves, resembling zebra stripes. Their resilient nature makes it ideal for those learning plant care. Researchers value this plant as a model organism for its simple hexagon shaped cells. This offers an example to study cell junctions and why plants have evolved different cell setups. Different cell arrangements might have a role in how plants adapt to challenges such as mechanical perturbation from wind and animals.
