Status:
valid
Authors:
Balf.f.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1882
Citation Micro:
Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh 11: 835 (1882)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000944248
Common Names
- Dirichletia obovata
- Obovata Dirichletia
- Ovate Dirichletia
Description
Dirichletia obovata (also called 'Oblong Dirichletia', among many other common names) is an annual herb native to South America. It has a single, erect stem and small, white flowers. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate and the fruits are covered in small, oblong scales. It grows in open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Dirichletia obovata is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, and stomach aches. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Dirichletia obovata has small, white flowers with yellow centers and long, thin seed pods. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves. The seeds are small and black.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dirichletia obovata is an evergreen perennial that grows in full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought. Propagation is by seed or division.
Where to Find Dirichletia obovata
Dirichletia obovata can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Species in the Dirichletia genus
Species in the Rubiaceae family
Acranthera abbreviata,
Acranthera anamallica,
Acranthera athroophlebia,
Acranthera atropella,
Acranthera aurantiaca,
Acranthera axilliflora,
Acranthera bullata,
Acranthera capitata,
Acranthera ceylanica,
Acranthera didymocarpa,
Acranthera endertii,
Acranthera frutescens,
Acranthera grandiflora,
Acranthera hallieri,
Acranthera hirtostipula,
Acranthera involucrata,
Acranthera johannis-winkleri,
Acranthera lanceolata,
Acranthera longipes,
Acranthera longipetiolata,
Acranthera maculata,
Acranthera megaphylla,
Acranthera monantha,
Acranthera nieuwenhuisii,
Acranthera ophiorhizoides,
Acranthera parviflora,
Acranthera philippensis,
Acranthera ruttenii,
Acranthera salmonea,
Acranthera siamensis,
Acranthera siliquosa,
Acranthera simalurensis,
Acranthera sinensis,
Acranthera strigosa,
Acranthera tomentosa,
Acranthera variegata,
Acranthera velutinervia,
Acranthera yatesii,
Acranthera philippinensis,
Acranthera burmanica,
Acranthera virescens,
Acranthera hoangii,
Acranthera collina,
Acrobotrys discolor,
Acrosynanthus jamaicensis,
Acrosynanthus latifolius,
Acrosynanthus minor,
Acrosynanthus ovatus,
Acrosynanthus parvifolius,
Acrosynanthus revolutus,