Status:
valid
Authors:
Moldenke
Source:
wcs
Year:
1949
Citation Micro:
Phytologia 3: 113 (1949)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000471468
Common Names
- Mesanthemum africanum
- Africanum Mesanthemum
- Africanum's Mesanthemum
Description
Mesanthemum africanum (also called African Mesanthemum, among many other common names) is a deciduous shrub native to Africa. It has a single trunk and a broad, rounded crown. Its leaves are ovate to lanceolate, with a pointed tip and serrated edges. It is found in open woodlands, forest edges, and along roadsides.
Uses & Benefits
Mesanthemum africanum is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties. It is also used to make a beverage called guarana, which is popular in South Africa.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Mesanthemum africanum is small, white and bell-shaped. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings have two cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Mesanthemum africanum is a fast-growing perennial that can reach heights of up to 3 feet. It is best propagated by seed or division of the rootstock. The seeds should be sown in the spring or early summer in a well-drained soil. The rootstock should be divided in the spring or early summer and planted in a well-drained soil. The plants should be kept moist until they are established. Once established, the perennial should be watered regularly and fertilized every few months.
Where to Find Mesanthemum africanum
Mesanthemum africanum is native to tropical Africa and can be found in moist forests and along streams.
Mesanthemum africanum FAQ
What is the scientific name of Mesanthemum africanum?
Mesanthemum africanum
Where is Mesanthemum africanum found?
Mesanthemum africanum is found in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
What are the uses of Mesanthemum africanum?
Mesanthemum africanum is used in traditional medicine for treating fever, headache, and other ailments.
Species in the Mesanthemum genus
Mesanthemum africanum,
Mesanthemum albidum,
Mesanthemum angustitepalum,
Mesanthemum auratum,
Mesanthemum bennae,
Mesanthemum cupricola,
Mesanthemum glabrum,
Mesanthemum jaegeri,
Mesanthemum pilosum,
Mesanthemum prescottianum,
Mesanthemum pubescens,
Mesanthemum radicans,
Mesanthemum reductum,
Mesanthemum tuberosum,
Mesanthemum variabile,
Mesanthemum alenicola,
Species in the Eriocaulaceae family
Comanthera kegeliana,
Comanthera harleyi,
Comanthera euschemus,
Comanthera elegantula,
Comanthera elegans,
Comanthera dealbata,
Comanthera curralensis,
Comanthera brasiliana,
Comanthera bisulcata,
Comanthera bahiensis,
Comanthera aurifibrata,
Comanthera aciphylla,
Comanthera hatschbachii,
Comanthera xeranthemoides,
Comanthera caespitosa,
Comanthera centauroides,
Comanthera reflexa,
Comanthera jenmanii,
Comanthera floccosa,
Comanthera circinnata,
Comanthera cipoensis,
Comanthera giuliettiae,
Comanthera suberosa,
Comanthera ruprechtiana,
Comanthera paepalophylla,
Comanthera nivea,
Comanthera nitida,
Comanthera magnifica,
Comanthera imbricata,
Comanthera mucugensis,
Comanthera lanosa,
Comanthera retroflexa,
Comanthera pignalii,
Comanthera brunnea,
Comanthera dimera,
Comanthera angustifolia,
Comanthera tricostata,
Comanthera borbae,
Eriocaulon abyssinicum,
Eriocaulon achiton,
Eriocaulon acutibracteatum,
Eriocaulon acutifolium,
Eriocaulon adamesii,
Eriocaulon aethiopicum,
Eriocaulon africanum,
Eriocaulon afzelianum,
Eriocaulon albocapitatum,
Eriocaulon alleizettei,
Eriocaulon alpestre,
Eriocaulon alpinum,