Status:
valid
Authors:
(Standl.) C.Jeffrey
Source:
tro
Year:
1971
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 25: 235 (1971)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001301277
Common Names
- Selysia smithii
- Smith's Selysia
- Smithii Selysia
Description
Selysia smithii (also called Smith's selysia, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to Central and South America, where it grows in moist, shady habitats. It is an annual herb growing to 1 m tall, with a stem up to 5 cm diameter.
Uses & Benefits
Selysia smithii is used as an ornamental plant and for medicinal purposes. It is also used as a natural insect repellent.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Selysia smithii has white flowers with five petals. The seeds are round and black. The seedlings have small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Selysia smithii can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly and fertilize monthly during the growing season. Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Where to Find Selysia smithii
Selysia smithii is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. It can be found in open areas, such as fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Selysia smithii FAQ
What is the scientific name of Selysia smithii?
Selysia smithii
What is the common name of Selysia smithii?
African Cucumber
What is the natural habitat of Selysia smithii?
Sub-Saharan Africa
Species in the Selysia genus
Species in the Cucurbitaceae family
Abobra tenuifolia,
Acanthosicyos horridus,
Actinostemma lobatum,
Actinostemma parvifolium,
Actinostemma tenerum,
Alsomitra macrocarpa,
Ampelosicyos humblotii,
Ampelosicyos major,
Ampelosicyos meridionalis,
Ampelosicyos scandens,
Ampelosicyos bosseri,
Ampelosicyos leandrii,
Ampelosycios meridionalis,
Ampelosycios scandens,
Apodanthera anatuyana,
Apodanthera argentea,
Apodanthera aspera,
Apodanthera biflora,
Apodanthera bradei,
Apodanthera cinerea,
Apodanthera eriocalyx,
Apodanthera fasciculata,
Apodanthera ferreyrana,
Apodanthera glaziovii,
Apodanthera hindii,
Apodanthera hirtella,
Apodanthera laciniosa,
Apodanthera linearis,
Apodanthera mandonii,
Apodanthera mathewsii,
Apodanthera palmeri,
Apodanthera sagittifolia,
Apodanthera smilacifolia,
Apodanthera succulenta,
Apodanthera tumbeziana,
Apodanthera ulei,
Apodanthera undulata,
Apodanthera villosa,
Apodanthera weberbaueri,
Apodanthera longipedicellata,
Austrobryonia argillicola,
Austrobryonia centralis,
Austrobryonia micrantha,
Austrobryonia pilbarensis,
Baijiania borneensis,
Baijiania taiwaniana,
Baijiania decipiens,
Baijiania smitinandii,
Bambekea racemosa,
Bayabusua clarkei,