Status:
valid
Authors:
A.DC.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1830
Citation Micro:
Monogr. Campan. : 371 (1830)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000816500
Common Names
- Merciera brevifolia
- Brevifolia Merciera
- Merciera brevifolia
Description
Merciera brevifolia (also called 'Shortleaf', among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Central and South America. It has short, oval-shaped leaves and small white flowers. It grows in moist, shady areas, such as rainforests and wet meadows.
Uses & Benefits
Merciera brevifolia is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Merciera brevifolia is a small, white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Merciera brevifolia is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 10 feet. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Propagation is usually done through cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and placed in a moist, well-draining medium such as perlite or sand. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until they have rooted, which can take up to 8 weeks.
Where to Find Merciera brevifolia
Merciera brevifolia is native to South America and can be found in the Amazon rainforest.
Species in the Merciera genus
Species in the Campanulaceae family
Adenophora amurica,
Adenophora brevidiscifera,
Adenophora capillaris,
Adenophora changaica,
Adenophora coelestis,
Adenophora contracta,
Adenophora cordifolia,
Adenophora divaricata,
Adenophora elata,
Adenophora fusifolia,
Adenophora gmelinii,
Adenophora golubinzevaeana,
Adenophora grandiflora,
Adenophora hatsushimae,
Adenophora himalayana,
Adenophora hubeiensis,
Adenophora izuensis,
Adenophora jacutica,
Adenophora jasionifolia,
Adenophora khasiana,
Adenophora lamarkii,
Adenophora liliifolia,
Adenophora liliifolioides,
Adenophora lobophylla,
Adenophora longipedicellata,
Adenophora maximowicziana,
Adenophora micrantha,
Adenophora morrisonensis,
Adenophora nikoensis,
Adenophora ningxianica,
Adenophora palustris,
Adenophora pereskiifolia,
Adenophora petiolata,
Adenophora pinifolia,
Adenophora polyantha,
Adenophora potaninii,
Adenophora probatovae,
Adenophora remotidens,
Adenophora remotiflora,
Adenophora rupestris,
Adenophora rupincola,
Adenophora sinensis,
Adenophora stenanthina,
Adenophora stenophylla,
Adenophora stricta,
Adenophora sublata,
Adenophora takedai,
Adenophora tashiroi,
Adenophora taurica,
Adenophora trachelioides,