Status:
valid
Authors:
Jack
Source:
wcs
Year:
1820
Citation Micro:
Malayan Misc. 1(1): 19 (1820)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000312962
Common Names
- Sphenodesme pentandra
- Five-stamened False Buttonweed
- Five-stamened False-Buttonweed
Synonyms
- Sphenodesme acuminata Wight [unknown]
- Symphorema pentandrum Kurz [unknown]
- Congea jackiana Wall. [unknown]
- Congea pentandra Wall. [unknown]
Description
Sphenodesme pentandra (also called Pentandra False Buttonweed, among many other common names) is an annual herb that grows up to 40 cm tall. It has small white flowers with 4 petals and grows in sandy soils. It is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America and is found in dry and disturbed habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Sphenodesme pentandra is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It has a number of medicinal uses, such as treating fever, inflammation, and skin diseases. It is also used to treat digestive problems, such as indigestion and constipation.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Sphenodesme pentandra var. pentandra
Sphenodesme pentandra var. wallichiana (Schauer) Munir
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Sphenodesme pentandra has small white flowers, with five petals and five sepals. The seeds are small, brown and oval-shaped. The seedlings are small, with green leaves and a white stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Sphenodesme pentandra can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix in spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and rooted in a well-drained soil mix.
Where to Find Sphenodesme pentandra
Sphenodesme pentandra is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Sphenodesme pentandra FAQ
What is the scientific name of Sphenodesme pentandra?
Sphenodesme pentandra
What is the common name of Sphenodesme pentandra?
Pentandra
What is the natural habitat of Sphenodesme pentandra?
It is found in tropical and subtropical forests in India, China, and Southeast Asia.
Species in the Sphenodesme genus
Sphenodesme amethystina,
Sphenodesme eryciboides,
Sphenodesme ferruginea,
Sphenodesme floribunda,
Sphenodesme griffithiana,
Sphenodesme involucrata,
Sphenodesme mekongensis,
Sphenodesme mollis,
Sphenodesme pentandra,
Sphenodesme pierrei,
Sphenodesme racemosa,
Sphenodesme sarawakensis,
Sphenodesme stellata,
Sphenodesme thorelii,
Sphenodesme triflora,
Species in the Lamiaceae family
Acanthomintha duttonii,
Acanthomintha ilicifolia,
Acanthomintha lanceolata,
Acanthomintha obovata,
Acanthoprasium frutescens,
Acanthoprasium integrifolium,
Achyrospermum aethiopicum,
Achyrospermum africanum,
Achyrospermum axillare,
Achyrospermum carvalhoi,
Achyrospermum ciliatum,
Achyrospermum cryptanthum,
Achyrospermum dasytrichum,
Achyrospermum densiflorum,
Achyrospermum erythobotrys,
Achyrospermum fruticosum,
Achyrospermum laterale,
Achyrospermum micranthum,
Achyrospermum mildbraedii,
Achyrospermum oblongifolium,
Achyrospermum parviflorum,
Achyrospermum purpureum,
Achyrospermum schimperi,
Achyrospermum schlechteri,
Achyrospermum seychellarum,
Achyrospermum tisserantii,
Achyrospermum urens,
Achyrospermum wallichianum,
Achyrospermum scandens,
Acinos alpinus,
Acrotome angustifolia,
Acrotome fleckii,
Acrotome hispida,
Acrotome inflata,
Acrotome mozambiquensis,
Acrotome pallescens,
Acrotome tenuis,
Acrotome thorncroftii,
Acrymia ajugiflora,
Aegiphila aracaensis,
Aegiphila hystricina,
Aegiphila aculeifera,
Aegiphila alba,
Aegiphila anomala,
Aegiphila arcta,
Aegiphila australis,
Aegiphila bogotensis,
Aegiphila boliviana,
Aegiphila brachiata,
Aegiphila bracteolosa,