Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Family:
Species:
kirkii
ID:
313172

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Hiern) Verdc.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1975

Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 30: 303 (1975)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000312504

Common Names

  • Kirk's False Buttonweed
  • Kirk False Buttonweed
  • Kirk's Buttonweed

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Synonyms

  • Borreria diodon K.Schum. [valid]
  • Diodia kirkii Hiern [valid]

Description

Spermacoce kirkii (also called Kirk's false buttonweed, among many other common names) is an annual herb in the Rubiaceae family. It has small white flowers and is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It is found in open, disturbed areas, such as roadsides, pastures, and cultivated fields.

Uses & Benefits

Spermacoce kirkii is used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, headache, and skin diseases. It is also used as a diuretic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Spermacoce kirkii is white, with four petals and a yellow center. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small, with thin stems and small, oval leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Spermacoce kirkii is a low-growing, spreading perennial herb that typically grows to 10-20 cm tall. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in moist, well-drained soil. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and rooted in moist soil.

Where to Find Spermacoce kirkii

Spermacoce kirkii can be found in tropical Africa and Madagascar.

Spermacoce kirkii FAQ

What is the scientific name of Spermacoce kirkii?

Spermacoce kirkii

What is the natural habitat of Spermacoce kirkii?

Dry grasslands and open woodlands

What are the medicinal uses of Spermacoce kirkii?

It is used to treat skin diseases, fever, and stomach ailments

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,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-193635: Based on the initial data import
William Philip Hiern (1839-1925): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Hiern' in the authors string.
Bernard Verdcourt (1925-2011): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Verdc.' in the authors string.