Status:
valid
Authors:
(Juss.) Moldenke
Source:
tro
Year:
1937
Citation Micro:
Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 42: 69 (1937)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001144291
Common Names
- Rhaphithamnus
- Spiny Rhaphithamnus
- Spiny-leaved Rhaphithamnus
Description
Rhaphithamnus spinosus (also called Spiny Rhaphithamnus, among many other common names) is an erect, perennial shrub that grows up to 2 m tall. It is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. It is found in open, disturbed areas, roadsides, and disturbed forests.
Uses & Benefits
Rhaphithamnus spinosus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating skin diseases and as an antiseptic.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Rhaphithamnus spinosus are small, white and tubular in shape. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have a single, thin stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Rhaphithamnus spinosus is a perennial shrub that is best grown in moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It is propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a cold frame or in pots. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer.
Where to Find Rhaphithamnus spinosus
Rhaphithamnus spinosus is native to the Caribbean and Central and South America. It can be found in moist forests and along streams.
Species in the Rhaphithamnus genus
Species in the Verbenaceae family
Acantholippia seriphioides,
Aloysia unifacialis,
Aloysia decipiens,
Aloysia barbata,
Aloysia brasiliensis,
Aloysia castellanosii,
Aloysia catamarcensis,
Aloysia chamaedryfolia,
Aloysia chiapensis,
Aloysia citrodora,
Aloysia crenata,
Aloysia densispicata,
Aloysia dusenii,
Aloysia fiebrigii,
Aloysia gentryi,
Aloysia gratissima,
Aloysia hatschbachii,
Aloysia herrerae,
Aloysia macrostachya,
Aloysia nahuire,
Aloysia oblanceolata,
Aloysia ovatifolia,
Aloysia peruviana,
Aloysia polygalifolia,
Aloysia polystachya,
Aloysia pulchra,
Aloysia salviifolia,
Aloysia schulziana,
Aloysia scorodonioides,
Aloysia sonorensis,
Aloysia spathulata,
Aloysia virgata,
Aloysia wrightii,
Aloysia velutina,
Aloysia cordata,
Aloysia arequipensis,
Aloysia coalcomana,
Aloysia salsoloides,
Aloysia deserticola,
Aloysia trifida,
Aloysia riojana,
Aloysia tarapacana,
Bouchea agrestis,
Bouchea boliviana,
Bouchea dissecta,
Bouchea notabilis,
Bouchea prismatica,
Bouchea pseudochascanum,
Bouchea rusbyi,
Bouchea spathulata,
References
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:219091-2: Govaerts R (ed.). 2023. WCVP: World Checklist of Vascular Plants [Version 11]. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. [WWW document] URL http://sftp.kew.org/pub/data-repositories/WCVP/ [accessed 20 April 2023].