Status:
valid
Authors:
(Nutt.) J.M.Coult.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1894
Citation Micro:
Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 5: 213 (1894)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000944912
Common Names
- Ditaxis mercurialina
- Mercurialina Ditaxis
- Mercurialina Spurge
Description
Ditaxis mercurialina (also called Mercurial Ditaxis, among many other common names) is a shrub species of the genus Ditaxis, native to Mexico and Guatemala. It grows to a height of 1-2 meters and has alternate, ovate-lanceolate leaves that are glabrous and slightly pubescent. It is found in tropical dry forests and tropical moist forests.
Uses & Benefits
Ditaxis mercurialina is a shrub or small tree that is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is also used for erosion control and as a windbreak. The leaves of this plant are used to make a medicinal tea.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Ditaxis mercurialina is yellow with a white throat and a red-orange center. The seed is a small, black, glossy seed. The seedlings are small, with a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ditaxis mercurialina is a shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 5 m. It is best propagated by seed, which should be sown in spring or autumn. The seedlings should be planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is also possible to propagate the tree from cuttings, which should be taken from semi-ripe wood in summer and planted in a shady location with moist soil.
Where to Find Ditaxis mercurialina
Ditaxis mercurialina can be found in Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
Species in the Ditaxis genus
Ditaxis acaulis,
Ditaxis adenophora,
Ditaxis aphoroides,
Ditaxis argothamnoides,
Ditaxis arlynniana,
Ditaxis brandegeei,
Ditaxis breviramea,
Ditaxis calycina,
Ditaxis catamarcensis,
Ditaxis clariana,
Ditaxis cuneifolia,
Ditaxis cyanophylla,
Ditaxis depressa,
Ditaxis desertorum,
Ditaxis dioica,
Ditaxis erubescens,
Ditaxis fasciculata,
Ditaxis gardneri,
Ditaxis guatemalensis,
Ditaxis haitiensis,
Ditaxis heterantha,
Ditaxis humilis,
Ditaxis illimaniensis,
Ditaxis jablonszkyana,
Ditaxis katharinae,
Ditaxis lanceolata,
Ditaxis macrantha,
Ditaxis macrobotrys,
Ditaxis malmeana,
Ditaxis malpighiacea,
Ditaxis malpighipila,
Ditaxis manzanilloana,
Ditaxis mercurialina,
Ditaxis montevidensis,
Ditaxis pilosissima,
Ditaxis polygama,
Ditaxis pringlei,
Ditaxis purpurascens,
Ditaxis rhizantha,
Ditaxis rosularis,
Ditaxis salina,
Ditaxis sellowiana,
Ditaxis serrata,
Ditaxis simoniana,
Ditaxis simulans,
Species in the Euphorbiaceae family
Acalypha peckoltii,
Acalypha peduncularis,
Acalypha pendula,
Acalypha perrieri,
Acalypha persimilis,
Acalypha peruviana,
Acalypha pervilleana,
Acalypha phleoides,
Acalypha phyllonomifolia,
Acalypha pilosa,
Acalypha pippenii,
Acalypha pittieri,
Acalypha platyphylla,
Acalypha pleiogyne,
Acalypha plicata,
Acalypha pohliana,
Acalypha poiretii,
Acalypha polymorpha,
Acalypha polystachya,
Acalypha portoricensis,
Acalypha pruinosa,
Acalypha pruriens,
Acalypha pseudalopecuroides,
Acalypha pseudovagans,
Acalypha psilostachya,
Acalypha pubiflora,
Acalypha pulchrespicata,
Acalypha punctata,
Acalypha purpurascens,
Acalypha purpusii,
Acalypha pycnantha,
Acalypha pygmaea,
Acalypha radians,
Acalypha radicans,
Acalypha radinostachya,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha rafaelensis,
Acalypha raivavensis,
Acalypha rapensis,
Acalypha reflexa,
Acalypha repanda,
Acalypha retifera,
Acalypha rhombifolia,
Acalypha rhomboidea,
Acalypha richardiana,
Acalypha riedeliana,
Acalypha rivularis,
Acalypha rottleroides,
Acalypha rubrinervis,