Status:
valid
Authors:
Harwood
Source:
wcs
Year:
2005
Citation Micro:
Austral. Syst. Bot. 18: 348 (2005)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000806523
Common Names
- Spermacoce occidentalis
- Western False Buttonweed
- Occidental False Buttonweed
Description
Spermacoce occidentalis (also called False Buttonweed, among many other common names) is a small herbaceous plant native to the Americas. It has small white flowers and grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Spermacoce occidentalis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover. It is also used to treat fever, stomachache, and dysentery.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Spermacoce occidentalis has small white flowers, with four petals and a yellow center. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Spermacoce occidentalis is a small, herbaceous perennial that grows in full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated by seed or by division of the root clump. It is best grown in moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some light frost.
Where to Find Spermacoce occidentalis
Spermacoce occidentalis can be found in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Spermacoce occidentalis FAQ
What are the light requirements for Spermacoce occidentalis?
Spermacoce occidentalis prefers bright, indirect light.
What is the ideal temperature for Spermacoce occidentalis?
Spermacoce occidentalis prefers temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
How often should I water Spermacoce occidentalis?
Water Spermacoce occidentalis when the top inch of soil is dry.
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,