Status:
valid
Authors:
Penneys
Source:
tro
Year:
2009
Citation Micro:
Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. , ser. 4, 60(6): 69 (-72; fig. (2009)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001034684
Common Names
- Attenborough's Blakea
- Blakea
- Attenborough's Tree
Description
Blakea attenboroughii (also called 'Attenborough's Blakea' and 'Attenborough's Tree', among many other common names) is an evergreen shrub native to Central America and the Caribbean. It has oval-shaped leaves and produces white flowers. It is commonly found in tropical forests, woodlands, and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Blakea attenboroughii is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used to make herbal tea and for medicinal purposes.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Blakea attenboroughii has white flowers with yellow centres and long, thin seed pods. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have long, thin leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Blakea attenboroughii is a perennial evergreen plant that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It should be watered regularly and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Where to Find Blakea attenboroughii
Blakea attenboroughii can be found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.
Species in the Blakea genus
Blakea amabilis,
Blakea cuatrecasasii,
Blakea fissicalyx,
Blakea attenboroughii,
Blakea urbaniana,
Blakea schlimii,
Blakea trinervia,
Blakea tuberculata,
Blakea aeruginosa,
Blakea ciliata,
Blakea cuneata,
Blakea ferruginea,
Blakea granatensis,
Blakea grandiflora,
Blakea hirsuta,
Blakea lindeniana,
Blakea ovalis,
Blakea podagrica,
Blakea pyxidanthus,
Blakea repens,
Blakea rosea,
Blakea rostrata,
Blakea rotundifolia,
Blakea sawadae,
Blakea spruceana,
Blakea standleyana,
Blakea subconnata,
Blakea villosa,
Blakea longibracteata,
Blakea grisebachii,
Blakea brasiliensis,
Blakea latifolia,
Blakea mexiae,
Blakea multiflora,
Blakea paludosa,
Blakea brunnea,
Blakea calycosa,
Blakea crinita,
Blakea elliptica,
Blakea foliacea,
Blakea gracilis,
Blakea parvifolia,
Blakea pauciflora,
Blakea wilburiana,
Blakea guatemalensis,
Blakea purpusii,
Blakea quadrangularis,
Blakea fuchsioides,
Blakea penduliflora,
Blakea princeps,
Species in the Melastomataceae family
Acanthella sprucei,
Acanthella pulchra,
Acanthella conferta,
Aciotis polystachya,
Aciotis purpurascens,
Aciotis acuminifolia,
Aciotis annua,
Aciotis rubricaulis,
Aciotis cordata,
Aciotis indecora,
Aciotis paludosa,
Aciotis circaeoides,
Aciotis ornata,
Aciotis circaeifolia,
Aciotis wurdackiana,
Aciotis olivieriana,
Aciotis ferreirana,
Aciotis viscida,
Aciotis pendulifolia,
Aciotis brachybotria,
Acisanthera pulchella,
Acisanthera quadrata,
Acisanthera boliviensis,
Acisanthera variabilis,
Acisanthera uniflora,
Acisanthera alsinaefolia,
Acisanthera paraguayensis,
Acisanthera alata,
Acisanthera hedyotoidea,
Acisanthera glazioviana,
Acisanthera quadrata,
Acisanthera ayangannae,
Acisanthera divaricata,
Adelobotrys ciliatus,
Adelobotrys atlanticus,
Adelobotrys adscendens,
Adelobotrys barbatus,
Adelobotrys ciliata,
Adelobotrys macrophylla,
Adelobotrys praetexta,
Adelobotrys tessmannii,
Adelobotrys boissieriana,
Adelobotrys fuscescens,
Adelobotrys macrantha,
Adelobotrys rotundifolius,
Adelobotrys subsessilis,
Adelobotrys jefensis,
Adelobotrys linearifolia,
Adelobotrys ayangannensis,
Adelobotrys scandens,
References
Darin S. Penneys: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Penneys' in the authors string.