Status:
valid
Authors:
(Pittier) R.E.Schult.
Source:
tro
Year:
1944
Citation Micro:
Caldasia 2: 333 (1944)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001140700
Common Names
- Herrania purpurea
- Purple Herrania
- Purple-flowered Herrania
Description
Herrania purpurea (also called Purple Herrania, among many other common names) is a small tree or shrub native to Central and South America. It has a smooth, greyish-brown bark and its leaves are glossy, dark green and oblong in shape. It is found in tropical and subtropical dry forests, as well as in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Herrania purpurea is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties. It is also used for erosion control, as a soil stabilizer, and as a source of fodder for livestock.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Herrania purpurea has small purple flowers that are clustered together in a spike-like inflorescence. Its seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings have small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Herrania purpurea is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 8 feet in height. It can be propagated from cuttings or by seed. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems and planted in a well-drained soil mix. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until germination. The plant should be grown in full sun and in a well-drained soil.
Where to Find Herrania purpurea
Herrania purpurea is native to Central and South America and can be found in dry, sandy soils in tropical and subtropical regions.
Species in the Herrania genus
Herrania albiflora,
Herrania camargoana,
Herrania lemniscata,
Herrania nitida,
Herrania amazonica,
Herrania laciniifolia,
Herrania pulcherrima,
Herrania purpurea,
Herrania cuatrecasasiana,
Herrania kofanorum,
Herrania mariae,
Herrania nycterodendron,
Herrania balaensis,
Herrania dugandii,
Herrania breviligulata,
Herrania umbratica,
Herrania kanukuensis,
Herrania tomentella,
Species in the Malvaceae family
Abelmoschus angulosus,
Abelmoschus caillei,
Abelmoschus crinitus,
Abelmoschus esculentus,
Abelmoschus ficulneus,
Abelmoschus hostilis,
Abelmoschus magnificus,
Abelmoschus manihot,
Abelmoschus moschatus,
Abelmoschus muliensis,
Abelmoschus sagittifolius,
Abelmoschus enbeepeegearensis,
Abroma augustum,
Abutilon abutiloides,
Abutilon affine,
Abutilon alii,
Abutilon amplum,
Abutilon andrewsianum,
Abutilon andrieuxii,
Abutilon anglosomaliae,
Abutilon angulatum,
Abutilon anodoides,
Abutilon appendiculatum,
Abutilon arenarium,
Abutilon arequipense,
Abutilon auritum,
Abutilon austroafricanum,
Abutilon badium,
Abutilon balansae,
Abutilon bastardioides,
Abutilon benedictum,
Abutilon berlandieri,
Abutilon bidentatum,
Abutilon bracteosum,
Abutilon buchii,
Abutilon burandtii,
Abutilon bussei,
Abutilon californicum,
Abutilon calliphyllum,
Abutilon carinatum,
Abutilon coahuilae,
Abutilon commutatum,
Abutilon cryptopetalum,
Abutilon cuspidatum,
Abutilon densiflorum,
Abutilon dinteri,
Abutilon dispermum,
Abutilon divaricatum,
Abutilon dugesii,
Abutilon durandoi,