Home | > | List of families | > | Nyctaginaceae | > | Boerhavia | > | erecta |
Synonyms: | |
Common names: | |
Frequency: | Local, but probably under-recorded |
Status: | Introduced |
Description: |
Spreading annual or perennial herb. Stems prostrate, decumbent or ascending, glabrescent but with longer hairs, particularly at the nodes. Leaves ovate, often with distinct reddish brown glandular dots. Inflorescences terminal, shortly branched. Flowers usually in clusters of 2-5, white, pink, mauve or magenta. Stamens and style c. 2 mm, slightly exerted. Fruits 3-4 mm, turbinate with a flattened apex, not glandular, glabrous. See B. diffusa for comparison. |
Notes: | Note: the specimen in the photos is a first record for the Eastern division. The species is probably under recorded and may occur more widespread in Zimbabwe. |
Derivation of specific name: | erecta: erect (but the meaning is not clear as the plant is usually ascending or prostrate) |
Habitat: | A weed of disturbed places. |
Altitude range: (metres) | Up to 1100 m |
Flowering time: | |
Worldwide distribution: | Pantropical |
Zimbabwe distribution: | W,E |
Growth form(s): | |
Endemic status: | |
Red data list status: | |
Insects associated with this species: | |
Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
Images last updated: | Friday 22 December 2006 |
Literature: |
Mapaura, A. & Timberlake, J. (eds) (2004). A checklist of Zimbabwean vascular plants Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 33 Sabonet, Pretoria and Harare Page 64. Setshogo, M.P. (2005). Preliminary checklist of the plants of Botswana. Sabonet Report no. 37. Sabonet, Pretoria and Gaborone Page 89. Stannard, B.L. (1988). Nyctaginaceae Flora Zambesiaca 9(1) Pages 21 - 23. (Includes a picture). |
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