Status:
valid
Authors:
Vell.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1829
Citation Micro:
Fl. Flumin. : 99 (1829)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000363905
Common Names
- Leretia cordata
- Heart-shaped Leretia
- Heart-shaped Leretia
Synonyms
- Leretia nitida Miers [unknown]
- Leretia poeppigiana (Baill.) Sleumer [unknown]
- Leretia vellozoi Miers [unknown]
- Mappia poeppigiana Baill. [unknown]
- Mappia cordata Engl. [unknown]
- Mappia nitida Engl. [unknown]
- Icacina poeppigiana Valeton [unknown]
- Leretia glabrata Sleumer [unknown]
Description
Leretia cordata (also called Heart-shaped Leretia, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Melastomataceae. It is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 5 m tall. It is native to Central and South America, where it is found in tropical and subtropical moist forests, as well as in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Leretia cordata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in traditional medicine.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Leretia cordata is a white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are thin and have small, round leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Leretia cordata is a perennial plant that grows in full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and is drought tolerant. It can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.
Where to Find Leretia cordata
Leretia cordata is native to South America and can be found in dry, open areas such as grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands.
Leretia cordata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Leretia cordata?
Leretia cordata
What is the common name of Leretia cordata?
Heart-leaved Leretia
What is the natural habitat of Leretia cordata?
Dry, rocky hillsides
Species in the Leretia genus
Species in the Icacinaceae family
Alsodeiopsis chippii,
Alsodeiopsis mannii,
Alsodeiopsis poggei,
Alsodeiopsis rowlandii,
Alsodeiopsis schumannii,
Alsodeiopsis staudtii,
Alsodeiopsis tessmannii,
Alsodeiopsis zenkeri,
Calatola costaricensis,
Calatola laevigata,
Calatola mollis,
Calatola pastazana,
Calatola uxpanapensis,
Calatola microcarpa,
Casimirella ampla,
Casimirella beckii,
Casimirella crispula,
Casimirella diversifolia,
Casimirella guaranitica,
Casimirella lanata,
Casimirella rupestris,
Cassinopsis chapelieri,
Cassinopsis ciliata,
Cassinopsis ilicifolia,
Cassinopsis madagascariensis,
Cassinopsis tinifolia,
Cassinopsis tomentosa,
Desmostachys longipes,
Desmostachys oblongifolia,
Desmostachys planchonianus,
Desmostachys tenuifolius,
Desmostachys vogelii,
Emmotum harleyi,
Emmotum acuminatum,
Emmotum affine,
Emmotum celiae,
Emmotum conjunctum,
Emmotum fagifolium,
Emmotum floribundum,
Emmotum fulvum,
Emmotum glabrum,
Emmotum nitens,
Emmotum orbiculatum,
Emmotum yapacanum,
Emmotum amazonicum,
Hosiea japonica,
Hosiea sinensis,
Icacina claessensii,
Icacina guessfeldtii,
Icacina mannii,