Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Lamiales
Family:
Species:
tongaensis
ID:
273583

Status:
valid

Authors:
H.St.John

Source:
wcs

Year:
1987

Citation Micro:
Phytologia 63: 182 (1987)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000272915



Common Names

  • Tongan Meadow-Rue
  • Tongan False Baby's Breath
  • Tongan Phyllostegia


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Description

Phyllostegia tongaensis (also called 'Tongan Phyllostegia', among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 3 m tall. It is native to the Hawaiian Islands and is found in dry, coastal and mesic forests. It has large, ovate-oblong leaves and white flowers with a yellowish center.

Uses & Benefits

Phyllostegia tongaensis is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anti-cancer properties. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin disorders.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Phyllostegia tongaensis is a white, tubular flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, oblong seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single stem.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Phyllostegia tongaensis is a hardy perennial that is easy to cultivate and propagate. It can be propagated from seed or by division of the rhizomes. Seeds should be sown in spring in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until germination. Division of the rhizomes should be done in spring or early summer. The rhizomes should be divided into sections and replanted in a well-drained potting mix. The plants should be kept moist and in a shady location until established.

Where to Find Phyllostegia tongaensis

Phyllostegia tongaensis is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and can be found in the dry forests of Maui and Hawai'i.

Phyllostegia tongaensis FAQ

What is the common name of Phyllostegia tongaensis?

Tongan Hawaiian Mint

What is the natural habitat of Phyllostegia tongaensis?

Forests of Tonga

What is the flower color of Phyllostegia tongaensis?

White

Species in the Phyllostegia genus

Phyllostegia ambigua, Phyllostegia bracteata, Phyllostegia brevidens, Phyllostegia electra, Phyllostegia floribunda, Phyllostegia glabra, Phyllostegia grandiflora, Phyllostegia haliakalae, Phyllostegia helleri, Phyllostegia hillebrandii, Phyllostegia hirsuta, Phyllostegia hispida, Phyllostegia kaalaensis, Phyllostegia kahiliensis, Phyllostegia knudsenii, Phyllostegia lantanoides, Phyllostegia macrophylla, Phyllostegia mannii, Phyllostegia micrantha, Phyllostegia mollis, Phyllostegia parviflora, Phyllostegia pilosa, Phyllostegia racemosa, Phyllostegia renovans, Phyllostegia rockii, Phyllostegia stachyoides, Phyllostegia tahitensis, Phyllostegia tongaensis, Phyllostegia variabilis, Phyllostegia velutina, Phyllostegia vestita, Phyllostegia waimeae, Phyllostegia warshaueri, Phyllostegia wawrana, Phyllostegia yamaguchii, Phyllostegia hillebrandii, Phyllostegia yamaguchii,

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,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-155667: Based on the initial data import
Harold St. John (1892-1991): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'H.St.John' in the authors string.