Status:
valid
Authors:
King & Gamble
Source:
cmp
Year:
1908
Citation Micro:
J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Pt. 2, Nat. Hist. 74: 543 (1908)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000706328
Common Names
- Gongronema bracteolatum
- Bracteolate Glandwort
- Bracteolate Wild Tea
Description
Gongronema bracteolatum (also called Globe Amaranth, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to South America. It has a bushy habit, with erect stems reaching up to 1 meter in height. Its leaves are lanceolate and green in color, and its flowers are small and globular, in shades of pink, purple, and white. It prefers moist soils and is found in tropical and subtropical climates.
Uses & Benefits
Gongronema bracteolatum is used as an ornamental plant in gardens, as a cut flower, and as a dried flower. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headache, and other ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Gongronema bracteolatum has small white flowers with five petals and yellow anthers. Its seeds are small and black. The seedlings have a single cotyledon and a long hypocotyl.
Cultivation and Propagation
Gongronema bracteolatum is best propagated by division in spring. It is best grown in a sunny location in well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established.
Where to Find Gongronema bracteolatum
Gongronema bracteolatum can be found in tropical Africa and Asia.
Gongronema bracteolatum FAQ
What is the scientific name of Gongronema bracteolatum?
Gongronema bracteolatum
What are the common names of Gongronema bracteolatum?
African potato, bitter leaf, and wild potato
What is the growth habit of Gongronema bracteolatum?
It is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 1.5 m tall
Species in the Gongronema genus
Gongronema bracteolatum,
Gongronema curtisii,
Gongronema filipes,
Gongronema gaudichaudii,
Gongronema multibracteolatum,
Gongronema nepalense,
Gongronema thomsonii,
Gongronema ventricosum,
Gongronema wallichii,
Gongronema wrayi,
Species in the Apocynaceae family
Acokanthera laevigata,
Acokanthera oblongifolia,
Acokanthera oppositifolia,
Acokanthera rotundata,
Acokanthera schimperi,
Adenium boehmianum,
Adenium multiflorum,
Adenium obesum,
Adenium oleifolium,
Adenium swazicum,
Adenium dhofarense,
Aganosma breviloba,
Aganosma cymosa,
Aganosma gracilis,
Aganosma lacei,
Aganosma petelotii,
Aganosma schlechteriana,
Aganosma siamensis,
Aganosma wallichii,
Aganosma heynei,
Alafia alba,
Alafia barteri,
Alafia benthamii,
Alafia berrieri,
Alafia calophylla,
Alafia caudata,
Alafia erythrophthalma,
Alafia falcata,
Alafia fuscata,
Alafia insularis,
Alafia intermedia,
Alafia landolphioides,
Alafia lucida,
Alafia microstylis,
Alafia multiflora,
Alafia nigrescens,
Alafia orientalis,
Alafia parciflora,
Alafia pauciflora,
Alafia perrieri,
Alafia schumannii,
Alafia thouarsii,
Alafia vallium,
Alafia verschuereni,
Alafia whytei,
Alafia zambesiaca,
Allamanda calcicola,
Allamanda angustifolia,
Allamanda blanchetii,
Allamanda cathartica,