Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Family:
Species:
alata
ID:
312894

Status:
valid

Authors:
Aubl.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1775

Citation Micro:
Hist. Pl. Guiane : 60 (1775)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000312226

Common Names

  • Spermacoce alata
  • Alata Spermacoce
  • Alata Orchid

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Synonyms

  • Bigelovia elata Bartl. ex DC. [invalid]
  • Borreria alata DC. [valid]

Description

Spermacoce alata (also called False Buttonweed, among many other common names) is an annual herb that grows up to 0.3 m tall. It is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, and is found in open, disturbed areas such as roadsides, pastures, and waste places.

Uses & Benefits

Spermacoce alata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Flower of Spermacoce alata is white or yellowish-white, with five petals. Seeds are small and round, and seedlings are thin and fragile.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Spermacoce alata can be propagated from seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Division should be done in the spring or summer, with each division having at least two growth points. Both methods require bright, indirect light and temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Where to Find Spermacoce alata

Spermacoce alata is native to Africa and can be found in tropical and subtropical forests.

Spermacoce alata FAQ

What is the scientific name of Spermacoce alata?

Spermacoce alata

What is the common name of Spermacoce alata?

Winged Plant

What is the natural habitat of Spermacoce alata?

Tropical and subtropical forests

Species in the Spermacoce genus

Spermacoce adscendens, Spermacoce alata, Spermacoce angustifolia, Spermacoce annua, Spermacoce aprica, Spermacoce aquatica, Spermacoce aretioides, Spermacoce argentea, Spermacoce aristeguietiana, Spermacoce articularis, Spermacoce arvensis, Spermacoce auriculata, Spermacoce azurea, Spermacoce bahamensis, Spermacoce baileyana, Spermacoce bambusicola, Spermacoce bangweolensis, Spermacoce bequaertii, Spermacoce berteroana, Spermacoce bisepala, Spermacoce bolivarensis, Spermacoce brachyantha, Spermacoce brachysepala, Spermacoce brachystema, Spermacoce brachystemonoides, Spermacoce bradei, Spermacoce brassii, Spermacoce breviflora, Spermacoce brittonii, Spermacoce brownii, Spermacoce buchneri, Spermacoce buckleyi, Spermacoce burmanni, Spermacoce capillaris, Spermacoce capitata, Spermacoce cassuangensis, Spermacoce cataractarum, Spermacoce chaetocephala, Spermacoce chartensis, Spermacoce clinopodioides, Spermacoce confertifolia, Spermacoce confusa, Spermacoce congensis, Spermacoce cristulata, Spermacoce cupularis, Spermacoce dasycephala, Spermacoce debilis, Spermacoce decipiens, Spermacoce decurrens, Spermacoce delicatula,

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,