Status:
valid
Authors:
Standl.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1924
Citation Micro:
J. Washington Acad. Sci. 14: 98 (1924)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000256862
Common Names
- Ophellantha Spinosa
- Spinosa Ophellantha
- Spiny Ophellantha
Synonyms
- Acidocroton spinosus (Standl.) G.L.Webster [unknown]
Description
Ophellantha spinosa (also called Spiny Ophellantha, among many other common names) is an annual herb that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has a woody stem and is covered in bristly hairs. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is found in dry, sandy soils.
Uses & Benefits
Ophellantha spinosa is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, and other ailments. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive foliage.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Ophellantha spinosa has small, white flowers with yellow centers. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings are small and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ophellantha spinosa is a perennial plant that can be propagated by division or cuttings. It prefers a well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soils but prefers a slightly acidic soil. It can be propagated by division in spring or early summer. Cuttings can be taken in late summer or early autumn.
Where to Find Ophellantha spinosa
Ophellantha spinosa can be found in tropical Asia, from India to southern China and southeast to New Guinea.
Ophellantha spinosa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Ophellantha spinosa?
Ophellantha spinosa
What is the common name of Ophellantha spinosa?
Spinosa
What is the natural habitat of Ophellantha spinosa?
Dry, rocky slopes and open woodlands
Species in the Ophellantha genus
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,