Status:
valid
Authors:
Durieu & Moq.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1849
Citation Micro:
Prodr. 13(2): 335 (1849)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000395182
Common Names
- Polycnemum fontanesii
- Fontanes' Polycnemum
- Fontanes' Yam
Synonyms
- Polycnemum maroccanum (Murb.) Murb. [unknown]
- Polycnemum fontanesii maroccanum Murb. [unknown]
- Polycnemum fontanesii maroccanum (Murb.) Maire [unknown]
- Polycnemum fontanesii oxysepalum (Maire) Maire [unknown]
- Polycnemum fontanesii oxysepalum Maire [unknown]
Description
Polycnemum fontanesii (also called 'Fontanes's Polycnemum', among many other common names) is a perennial herb native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and tuberous roots. It grows in tropical and subtropical forests, from sea level to 1,800 m altitude.
Uses & Benefits
Polycnemum fontanesii is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used to make furniture and for timber.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Polycnemum fontanesii is small and yellow. The seed is small and black. The seedlings have long, thin stems with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polycnemum fontanesii is a perennial herb that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate light frost. It can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Where to Find Polycnemum fontanesii
Polycnemum fontanesii is native to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Polycnemum fontanesii FAQ
What are the medicinal uses of Polycnemum fontanesii?
Polycnemum fontanesii is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, and stomach aches.
What is the distribution of Polycnemum fontanesii?
Polycnemum fontanesii is native to the Amazon rainforest in South America.
What is the habitat of Polycnemum fontanesii?
Polycnemum fontanesii is found in moist, shady forests, usually near rivers.
Species in the Polycnemum genus
Species in the Amaranthaceae family
Achyranthes arborescens,
Achyranthes aspera,
Achyranthes bidentata,
Achyranthes diandra,
Achyranthes fasciculata,
Achyranthes mangarevica,
Achyranthes marchionica,
Achyranthes margaretarum,
Achyranthes mutica,
Achyranthes splendens,
Achyranthes talbotii,
Achyranthes shahii,
Achyropsis avicularis,
Achyropsis filifolia,
Achyropsis fruticulosa,
Achyropsis gracilis,
Achyropsis laniceps,
Achyropsis leptostachya,
Acroglochin obtusifolia,
Acroglochin persicarioides,
Aerva artemisioides,
Aerva caudata,
Aerva congesta,
Aerva coriacea,
Aerva edulis,
Aerva glabrata,
Aerva humbertii,
Aerva javanica,
Aerva lanata,
Aerva leucura,
Aerva madagassica,
Aerva microphylla,
Aerva monsonia,
Aerva radicans,
Aerva revoluta,
Aerva sanguinolenta,
Aerva timorensis,
Aerva triangularifolia,
Aerva villosa,
Aerva wightii,
Agathophora alopecuroides,
Agriophyllum lateriflorum,
Agriophyllum latifolium,
Agriophyllum minus,
Agriophyllum montasirii,
Agriophyllum paletzkianum,
Agriophyllum squarrosum,
Allenrolfea occidentalis,
Allenrolfea patagonica,
Allenrolfea vaginata,