Status:
valid
Authors:
Small
Source:
tro
Year:
1928
Citation Micro:
Addisonia 13: 37 1928
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001074015
Common Names
- Gelsemium
- Rank's Jessamine
- Rankii Jessamine
Description
Gelsemium rankii (also called Rank's Gelsemium, among many other common names) is an evergreen shrub that is native to South America. It has a stem that grows up to 2 m tall and is covered with opposite, ovate leaves. It produces white flowers with five petals and yellowish-green stamens. It grows in woodlands, scrub, and grasslands.
Uses & Benefits
Gelsemium rankii is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant to treat fever and malaria.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Gelsemium rankii has white flowers with 5 petals and a yellow center. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are thin and have long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Gelsemium rankii is a shrub that is native to South America. It is a member of the Loganiaceae family. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. Propagation is done by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a well-drained soil. Cuttings should be taken in spring or early summer.
Where to Find Gelsemium rankii
Gelsemium rankii can be found in the southeastern United States, primarily in the states of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Species in the Gelsemium genus
Species in the Gelsemiaceae family
Gelsemium elegans,
Gelsemium rankinii,
Gelsemium sempervirens,
Gelsemium rankii,
Mostuea brunonis,
Mostuea batesii,
Mostuea neurocarpa,
Mostuea hymenocardioides,
Mostuea hirsuta,
Mostuea rubrinervis,
Mostuea microphylla,
Mostuea adamii,
Mostuea surinamensis,
Mostuea muricata,
Pteleocarpa lamponga,