Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Genus:
Species:
elegans
ID:
469785

Status:
valid

Authors:
Struwe & V.A.Albert

Source:
cmp

Year:
1998

Citation Micro:
Harvard Pap. Bot. 3: 185 (1998)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000469117

Common Names

  • Elegant Potalia
  • Elegans Potalia
  • Potalia Elegans

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Description

Potalia elegans (also called 'Elegant Spike-Moss', among many other common names) is a species of spike-moss found in the tropical regions of South America. It is a small, evergreen, perennial plant that grows in moist, shady habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Potalia elegans is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a groundcover in landscaping. It is also used as a medicinal plant for treating skin diseases and wounds.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Potalia elegans is a yellow or pinkish color. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, round and green.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Potalia elegans is a perennial herb that grows in full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated by division or by seed. When propagating by division, divide the plant in the spring or early summer. When propagating by seed, sow the seeds in the spring or early summer in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. The seedlings should emerge in 2-3 weeks.

Where to Find Potalia elegans

Potalia elegans can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Potalia elegans FAQ

What is the optimal temperature for Potalia elegans?

Potalia elegans prefers temperatures between 18-25°C (65-77°F)

What is the optimal humidity for Potalia elegans?

Potalia elegans prefers a humidity of 50-70%.

What is the optimal light for Potalia elegans?

Potalia elegans prefers bright, indirect light.

Species in the Gentianaceae family

Adenolisianthus arboreus, Anthocleista amplexicaulis, Anthocleista djalonensis, Anthocleista grandiflora, Anthocleista inermis, Anthocleista laxiflora, Anthocleista liebrechtsiana, Anthocleista longifolia, Anthocleista madagascariensis, Anthocleista microphylla, Anthocleista nobilis, Anthocleista obanensis, Anthocleista procera, Anthocleista scandens, Anthocleista schweinfurthii, Anthocleista vogelii, Anthocleista potalioides, Aripuana cullmaniorum, Bartonia paniculata, Bartonia verna, Bartonia virginica, Bisgoeppertia robustior, Bisgoeppertia gracilis, Bisgoeppertia scandens, Blackstonia acuminata, Blackstonia grandiflora, Blackstonia imperfoliata, Blackstonia perfoliata, Calolisianthus amplissimus, Calolisianthus pedunculatus, Canscora alata, Canscora andrographioides, Canscora concanensis, Canscora diffusa, Canscora heteroclita, Canscora macrocalyx, Canscora pauciflora, Canscora perfoliata, Canscora roxburghii, Canscora schultesii, Canscora stricta, Canscora bidoupensis, Canscora bhatiana, Canscora shrirangiana, Canscora ciathula, Canscora tetraptera, Celiantha bella, Celiantha chimantensis, Celiantha imthurniana, Centaurium ameghinoi,

References

Victor Anthony Albert (b.1958): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'V.A.Albert' in the authors string.
Lena Struwe (b.1967): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Struwe' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:317042-2: Based on the WCVP April 2023 data release.