Status:
valid
Authors:
Pax & K.Hoffm.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1912
Citation Micro:
Pflanzenr. , IV, 147, VI: 15 (1912)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000312212
Common Names
- Speranskia cantonensis
- Cantonensis Speranskia
- Cantonensis Orchid
Synonyms
- Mercurialis acanthocarpa H.Lév. & Vaniot [unknown]
- Argythamnia cantonensis Hance [unknown]
- Speranskia henryi Oliv. [unknown]
Description
Speranskia cantonensis (also called 'Canton Speranskia', among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant native to Central and South America, from Mexico to Peru. It grows in wet forests at elevations of 500 to 1800 meters. It has a single, upright, unbranched stem, up to 1.5 meters tall, and bears up to 30 fragrant, white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Speranskia cantonensis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Speranskia cantonensis is yellow with a long, slender spadix. The seed is small, round and black. The seedling has a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Speranskia cantonensis can be propagated from seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Division should be done in the spring or summer, with each division having at least two growth points. Both methods require bright, indirect light and temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Where to Find Speranskia cantonensis
Speranskia cantonensis is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in tropical and subtropical forests.
Speranskia cantonensis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Speranskia cantonensis?
Speranskia cantonensis
What is the common name of Speranskia cantonensis?
Canton Plant
What is the natural habitat of Speranskia cantonensis?
Tropical and subtropical forests
Species in the Speranskia genus
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,