Status:
valid
Authors:
Lour.
Source:
tro
Year:
1790
Citation Micro:
Fl. Cochinch. 2: 527 (1790)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001083143
Common Names
- Blastus
- Cochinchinensis
- Cochin-Chinese Blastus
Description
Blastus cochinchinensis (also called Cochinchina Blastus, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Southeast Asia. It has a creeping habit and can reach up to 30 cm in height. Its leaves are ovate to lanceolate, and its flowers are white or pink. It is found in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, as well as in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Blastus cochinchinensis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used as a medicinal plant for treating fever, malaria, and dysentery.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Blastus cochinchinensis is a small, white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Blastus cochinchinensis is a shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems and rooted in a moist, well-drained soil mix. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until they are well-rooted.
Where to Find Blastus cochinchinensis
Blastus cochinchinensis is found in India and Sri Lanka.
Species in the Blastus genus
Blastus eglandulosus,
Blastus multiflorus,
Blastus cochinchinensis,
Blastus setulosus,
Blastus tsaii,
Blastus tenuifolius,
Blastus mollissimus,
Blastus auriculatus,
Blastus pauciflorus,
Blastus brevissimus,
Blastus borneensis,
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,