Status:
valid
Authors:
(Pax & K.Hoffm.) J.F.Macbr.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1951
Citation Micro:
Publ. Field Columb. Mus., Bot. Ser. 13(3a, 1): 164 (1951)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000898553
Common Names
- Cnidoscolus diacanthus
- Spiny Nettle
- Tread-Softly
Description
Cnidoscolus diacanthus (also called Spiny-leaved Bull's-heart, among many other common names) is a perennial shrub native to Central and South America. It grows to a height of 0.3-1.2 m and has a spreading, tufted habit. It is found in dry grasslands and savannas, as well as in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Cnidoscolus diacanthus is used as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and showy flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Cnidoscolus diacanthus is a small, white flower with a yellow center. The seed is a small, dark brown seed. The seedlings are thin and long with a light green color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cnidoscolus diacanthus is a perennial herb that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C. It can be used as a ground cover or in borders and containers.
Where to Find Cnidoscolus diacanthus
Cnidoscolus diacanthus can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Species in the Cnidoscolus genus
Cnidoscolus aculeatissimus,
Cnidoscolus adenochlamys,
Cnidoscolus aequatoriensis,
Cnidoscolus albibracteatus,
Cnidoscolus aurelii,
Cnidoscolus byssinus,
Cnidoscolus cajamarcensis,
Cnidoscolus calcareus,
Cnidoscolus calyptratus,
Cnidoscolus cervii,
Cnidoscolus conicus,
Cnidoscolus halteris,
Cnidoscolus inaequalis,
Cnidoscolus liesneri,
Cnidoscolus lombardii,
Cnidoscolus longibracteatus,
Cnidoscolus magni-gerdtii,
Cnidoscolus piranii,
Cnidoscolus pteroneurus,
Cnidoscolus spathulatus,
Cnidoscolus tridentifer,
Cnidoscolus urentissimus,
Cnidoscolus beckii,
Cnidoscolus minarum,
Cnidoscolus mitis,
Cnidoscolus monsanto,
Cnidoscolus pavonianus,
Cnidoscolus graminifolius,
Cnidoscolus guatimalensis,
Cnidoscolus hypokerinus,
Cnidoscolus populifolius,
Cnidoscolus rupestris,
Cnidoscolus megacanthus,
Cnidoscolus egregius,
Cnidoscolus sinaloensis,
Cnidoscolus adenoblepharus,
Cnidoscolus fimbriatus,
Cnidoscolus orientensis,
Cnidoscolus ceballosii,
Cnidoscolus rzedowskii,
Cnidoscolus calyptrodontus,
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius,
Cnidoscolus acrandrus,
Cnidoscolus albidus,
Cnidoscolus albomaculatus,
Cnidoscolus angustidens,
Cnidoscolus appendiculatus,
Cnidoscolus autlanensis,
Cnidoscolus bahianus,
Cnidoscolus basiacanthus,
Species in the Euphorbiaceae family
Acalypha peckoltii,
Acalypha peduncularis,
Acalypha pendula,
Acalypha perrieri,
Acalypha persimilis,
Acalypha peruviana,
Acalypha pervilleana,
Acalypha phleoides,
Acalypha phyllonomifolia,
Acalypha pilosa,
Acalypha pippenii,
Acalypha pittieri,
Acalypha platyphylla,
Acalypha pleiogyne,
Acalypha plicata,
Acalypha pohliana,
Acalypha poiretii,
Acalypha polymorpha,
Acalypha polystachya,
Acalypha portoricensis,
Acalypha pruinosa,
Acalypha pruriens,
Acalypha pseudalopecuroides,
Acalypha pseudovagans,
Acalypha psilostachya,
Acalypha pubiflora,
Acalypha pulchrespicata,
Acalypha punctata,
Acalypha purpurascens,
Acalypha purpusii,
Acalypha pycnantha,
Acalypha pygmaea,
Acalypha radians,
Acalypha radicans,
Acalypha radinostachya,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha rafaelensis,
Acalypha raivavensis,
Acalypha rapensis,
Acalypha reflexa,
Acalypha repanda,
Acalypha retifera,
Acalypha rhombifolia,
Acalypha rhomboidea,
Acalypha richardiana,
Acalypha riedeliana,
Acalypha rivularis,
Acalypha rottleroides,
Acalypha rubrinervis,