Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 587 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000245088
Common Names
- Moluccella spinosa
- Spiny Moluccella
- Spiny Moluccella
Synonyms
- Molucca spinosa Moench [unknown]
- Moluccella armata Sieber ex Benth. [unknown]
- Chasmonia incisa C.Presl [unknown]
Description
Moluccella spinosa (also called Moluccella spinosa var. spinosa, among many other common names) is a perennial herb found in tropical Africa. It has a woody stem and its leaves are ovate-lanceolate. It is found in grasslands and woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Moluccella spinosa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat skin diseases and fever.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Moluccella spinosa has small, white flowers with yellow centers. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings have oval-shaped, serrated leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Moluccella spinosa is a small, evergreen shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant. It can be grown from seed, but it is slow to germinate and may take up to 6 months. Cuttings are the preferred method of propagation as it is faster and more reliable. The plant should be taken in the spring or fall and replanted immediately.
Where to Find Moluccella spinosa
Moluccella spinosa is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia and is found in grasslands, meadows, and waste places.
Moluccella spinosa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Moluccella spinosa?
Moluccella spinosa
What type of plant is Moluccella spinosa?
Herbaceous annual
Where does Moluccella spinosa grow?
It is native to Europe and Asia
Species in the Moluccella genus
Species in the Lamiaceae family
Acanthomintha duttonii,
Acanthomintha ilicifolia,
Acanthomintha lanceolata,
Acanthomintha obovata,
Acanthoprasium frutescens,
Acanthoprasium integrifolium,
Achyrospermum aethiopicum,
Achyrospermum africanum,
Achyrospermum axillare,
Achyrospermum carvalhoi,
Achyrospermum ciliatum,
Achyrospermum cryptanthum,
Achyrospermum dasytrichum,
Achyrospermum densiflorum,
Achyrospermum erythobotrys,
Achyrospermum fruticosum,
Achyrospermum laterale,
Achyrospermum micranthum,
Achyrospermum mildbraedii,
Achyrospermum oblongifolium,
Achyrospermum parviflorum,
Achyrospermum purpureum,
Achyrospermum schimperi,
Achyrospermum schlechteri,
Achyrospermum seychellarum,
Achyrospermum tisserantii,
Achyrospermum urens,
Achyrospermum wallichianum,
Achyrospermum scandens,
Acinos alpinus,
Acrotome angustifolia,
Acrotome fleckii,
Acrotome hispida,
Acrotome inflata,
Acrotome mozambiquensis,
Acrotome pallescens,
Acrotome tenuis,
Acrotome thorncroftii,
Acrymia ajugiflora,
Aegiphila aracaensis,
Aegiphila hystricina,
Aegiphila aculeifera,
Aegiphila alba,
Aegiphila anomala,
Aegiphila arcta,
Aegiphila australis,
Aegiphila bogotensis,
Aegiphila boliviana,
Aegiphila brachiata,
Aegiphila bracteolosa,